This is sort of a polarizing topic, but it's obviously something that or country needs to tackle. Here are some of my thoughts and if I were king and could make the rules, this is how I think the situation could/should be handled.
I'd like to hear some opinions and whether or not I'm completely insane or if you think this is something that is actually feasible.
(Apologies in advance--I was a little scatterbrained when putting my thoughts down).
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1. Obviously this is different than when the Europeans or Asians mass-migrated, because most of them had to come in through ships, which is a lot easier to manage because there are set ports of entry. In theory, I don't think a wall is that bad of an idea. I just think symbolically it is a really, REALLY bad look that makes us seem super isolationist and scared. However, it's 2020. We have so much technology. It seems very feasible that we could set up watch towers/mini CQ every 40 miles or something and be able to scan 20 miles in each direction with high tech cameras/drones. That way a tower is only at most 20 miles away from someone crossing in illegally. This is just a thought—I’m sure there is another way to do this but hopefully you get the idea.
2. Entry into our country should be much easier. People shouldn't have to rely on asylum to come here. We should expedite our process for visas and green cards. Additionally, I think we should have a system in place where, say someone comes to the border, if they have proper paperwork from their country (passport, identification, medical records, etc.), we should have a way to let them in with and apply for citizenship. and we should set up some sort of system like they do when inmates leave prison--basically have a crash course on finding a job, communication, finding houses, budgets, etc. and then people have specific caseworkers they have to routinely check in on, etc. I don't know about timelines and stuff, but maybe something like a check-in every two weeks for a month or two, then every month for a year. There'd be 'homework' and stuff that the immigrants would have to do (random things--show paystubs, prove school enrollment for kids, prove residence, health insurance, etc.)
3. Much like when people come here on a work visa, where they have specific stipulations and stuff and they don't really get to choose where they live, it'd be the same for this. After their initial crash course or whatever, we tell them where they live, etc. government could partner and probably provide tax breaks with companies in that area. Same thing with housing. So we can actually get people integrated into our society and system.
4. We'd have to have harsh repercussions for missing check points and check ins. Something like, 1 strike warning, 2nd strike you are removed from the country, dropped at the border of your country of origin, and put into a system that prevents you from coming back for a few years. Almost like missing a meeting with your PO.
5. Same thing with illegal crossings. They should go down significantly now that it's easier to actually become a citizen and the people who want to come here for the right reasons should have much less reason to try and sneak across.
6. Probably have some sort of monetary requirement to be initially accepted, mainly as a safe check so we know they can at least afford housing for a month or something. Basically it'd be making sure that people that really want to come here have their basic ducks in a row to get integrated into our country. Passport, medical docs, certain amount of cash, etc. one bag per person that would be searched and [censored] to make sure drugs didn't come in. Probably could do iris scans/finger print scans.
7. We'd need some sort of 'amnesty' period for people that are already here illegally. Basically tell them that if you are already here illegally, there would be like a one year period where they could turn themselves in to the integration program. If they prove employment and the employer is willing to keep them, and they have a legit place to live that'd be checked in on, they can stay where they are.
8. If they're straight illegal, doing under the table stuff and don't really have residence, they can still turn themselves in to the integration program, but they'd be forced to go through the entire process that people from the border would, including possible relocation for employment.
9. After the 'amnesty period', anyone who is caught here and is illegal is instantly deported, with their entire family, children included (regardless if they're born here or not), and they're put on the restricted list for X amount of time. This should be messaged very clearly.
10. Obviously, this would be a little expensive. But our government has so much wasted money. First, we could probably cut back on military spending a ton. We'd have to seriously reform our prison system--prisons shouldn't be like mini resorts. They should be [censored] and uncomfortable. We'd need to limit and seriously reduce drug related charges except for distribution. Focus heavily on rehabilitation and getting people back to bring functioning adults rather than just moving back to the streets. Drop the hammer on other crimes though. Rape? No more 3 months then probation. Child molestation? No chance you're going to a psych ward even if you are insane. You’re a danger to society and belong in prison. etc.
11. I think total timeline should be like 12 months or something until fully integrated? As long as every checkpoint and checklist is hit. Maybe 18? Then boom, you're officially a functioning legal citizen. Commit any sort of crimes while you're in the process other than misdemeanors? Good-bye.
