Illegal Immigration

With Barack Obama intent on doing an end-run around the constitution in an attempt to increase his electoral base, it is more important then ever for conservatives to provide a reasonable alternative.  One such plan, devised by a federal law enforcement agent (who prefers to remain anonymous) has recently come into my hands.

The proposal, the Smyth Immigration Plan, has several parts.  First, as with many other schemes, it insists that the border between the U.S. and Mexico be reinforced.  Unless the flood of illegal immigrants is stemmed, no format, no matter how ingenious, can provide a definitive solution.

Second, all of the illegal aliens in the country must be documented.  If we are to keep track of who is here, they must be identified.  They therefore need to be fingerprinted and have their facial images recorded.  Aliens who do not submit to this process would be subject to swift deportation.

Resident aliens must nevertheless be provided with a way to earn a living.  This is a complex issue that entails several aspects.  On the positive side, illegals would be able to apply for a state driver’s license.  This license, however, would clearly document the holder as an alien.  This would make it simpler to pinpoint rule breakers.

Illegals would also be able to pay income taxes, obtain a work permit, acquire health insurance, establish bank accounts, open a business, and enroll in educational facilities.  None of these would entail penalties.

On the other hand, they would not be eligible to receive government dependency services; including welfare, Medicaid and housing.  Nor could they purchase or possess firearms or obtain any sort of government employment.

Of special note, they would not be allowed to vote in any election or acquire citizenship unless they returned to their home country and applied for legal entry.  Obama Democrats are pushing legalization in hopes of increasing the number of their constituents.  This would be disallowed.  Illegals who received an identity card would be resident aliens, not citizens.

Meanwhile aliens who were convicted of possessing firearms, or of driving under the influence, or of domestic violence would lose their cards and be eligible for deportation.  So would those convicted of a felony, any type of identity theft or fraud, or assault and battery.

Illegal voters would likewise be subject to deportation.  Recent evidence suggests that voting standards have been so lax in many precincts that hundreds of thousands of aliens might have cast ballots.  Unless this is stopped, the number could eventually reach into the millions.

Many of the above requirements would be monitored by employers who were required to check for valid residence cards.  Police and border agents would likewise be empowered to enforce the law.  At the same time, fines for violators would be doubled or tripled as appropriate.

The legal system dealing with aliens would also be streamlined.  Procedures would be simplified and a sufficient number of judges provided.  The law would thus be followed!  No more clemency zones.  Similarly, administrative interference from above would not be tolerated.

Nor could children born to illegals in this country sponsor their parents for citizenship.  In other words, no more anchor babies.  Also, no more multiple chances.  Persons who violated the rules a second or third time would be incarcerated.

This is clearly not amnesty.  The Smyth Plan does not turn a blind eye to violations.  Although it attempts to be humane, it does not treat violators as if they were legal.  Nor does it provide an unearned path to citizenship.

People who came here seeking a better life do not deserve to be treated as criminals.  Nor can we herd them all up and march them across the border.  But neither do we have to be supine.  Yes, allow people to survive with dignity.  But no, don’t act as if they have done nothing wrong.

For further information see: The Smyth Immigration Plan on the Internet.

Melvyn L. Fein, Ph.D.

Professor of Sociology

Kennesaw State University