The fact of the matter is, we do have an immigration system that needs to be reformed. We have to continue to ensure border security, as we have thanks to President George W. Bush doubling border patrol agents. We also have to have an employment verification system and to prosecute those who hire people here illegally knowingly. But let's also keep in mind that the cost of deporting illegals is $12,500 per person. If we have 11 million people here, that's a cost of $135 billion. While we should not grant amnesty to anyone, deporting 11-20 million people is fiscally irresponsible and logistically impossible, and we wouldn't end illegal immigration by doing so. What we need to do is have a pathway to legal status. In my opinion, that means folks here illegally should pay a penalty, learn english, and not be on government assistance in exchange for legalized status. After a period of time when they are on the right side of the law, then they should have the chance to earn citizenship. I also believe we need a guest worker program.
At the same time, I agree with the notion that we should limit family unification and instead get folks to come here legally that can work here. Immigrants are twice as likely as native born citizens to start a business and thus, create jobs.
What Donald Trump has done is hurt the level of dialogue. He has made this about hispanics. The truth is, hispanics are humans, some are good some are bad, just like anybody else. Trump's bigotry is an embarrassment to the nation.
Additionally, Trump doesn't understand that while there are still issues at the border, we are moving in the right direction. Illegal border crossings are at record lows right now.
There it is, folks. Everything wrong with the GOP summed up in a single sentence fragment.
