Fred Thompson’s Immigration Plan
Fred Thompson has just released his Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan. It’s great. He understands what needs to happen to stop the flow of illegal aliens into this country, and how to deal with those illegals who are already here. Oh, if only we could actually get this plan implemented!
For those who don’t want to take the time to read it, here are the main points.
- No Amnesty — Do not provide legal status to illegal aliens.
- Attrition Through Enforcement — Reduce the number of illegal aliens through increased enforcement against unauthorized alien workers and their employers.
- Enforce Existing Federal Laws — Enforce the laws Congress has already enacted to prevent illegal aliens from unlawfully benefiting from their presence in the country.
- Reduce the Jobs Incentive — Ensure employee verification by requiring that all U.S. employers use the Department of Homeland Security’s electronic database (the E-Verify system) to confirm that a prospective employee is authorized to work in the U.S.
- Bolster Border Security — Finish building the 854-mile wall along the border by 2010 as required by 8 USC 1103.
- Increased Prosecution — Deploy the additional assets outlined above to prosecute alien smugglers (”coyotes”), alien gang members, previously deported felons, and aliens who have repeatedly violated our immigration laws much more vigorously.
- Rigorous Entry/Exit Tracking — Complete the implementation of a system to track visa entrants and exits, as has been required by federal law for more than ten years, and connect it to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), in order to curb visa overstays and permit more effective enforcement.
Those are the high points for stopping illegal aliens from getting in and dealing with those that already have. The other side of the coin is fixing our fouled-up legal immigration system. Fred’s points on this are
- Maximize Program Efficiency — Reduce the backlogs and streamline the process for immigrants and employers who seek to follow the law.
- Enhanced Reporting — Improve reporting to the government by businesses that rely on temporary workers so that the government can track whether the visa holder remains employed.
- Modernize Immigration Law/Policy — Change the nature of our legal immigration system to welcome immigrants who can be economic contributors to our country, are willing to learn the English language, and want to assimilate.
- English As Official Language — Make English the official language of the United States to promote assimilation and legal immigrants’ success, and require English proficiency in order for any foreign person to be granted lawful permanent resident status.
- Freedom from Political Oppression — Preserve U.S. laws and policies to ensure that the United States remains a beacon and a haven for persons fleeing political oppression, while assuring appropriate admission standards are maintained.
- Service to Country — Place those foreign persons who are lawfully present in the country and who serve honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States on a faster, surer track to U.S. citizenship.
Go Fred!
