We’re inclined to agree that a guest-worker program similar to the one bandied about by President Bush can do good for our country, with substantive changes.
The defects in our country’s immigration program have created a mess that won’t clean up on its own. While millions of prospective Americans wait patiently as they provide more and more documentation that they’re not terrorists or criminals or freeloaders, those lucky enough to cross a fence or ride that tire 90 miles get in without a background check.
Bush’s program could, if implemented correctly, legitimize immigrants on both sides of the equation. Here’s what we think should go along with the program:
Tighter border protection – We don’t need a wall, we don’t need an electrified fence, but illegals who defy the program need to be sent back.
Penalties on both sides – Employers who choose to hire non-program illegals should face penalties as well. Not just $500 fines or similar wrist slaps, but crippling punishments that will make these owners think twice
Guest workers must learn English – Immigrants cannot be successful without learning the language of the land.
Allow for concurrent or expedited citizenship process – Some countries are facing protest and dissension because guest workers who have lived there for decades cannot become citizens. Guest workers who have proven they can hold a job for six years, and become a productive resident, should not be forced to wait for as long as total foreigners to seek their green card.
Kids are always citizens – No law should read, “Children born on U.S. soil are full-fledged citizens, unless their parents are guest workers.”
Guest workers must have rights – That means minimum wage and the right to seek justice from their employers or anyone else who wrongs them.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good start to ensure fairness. Whether Bush would be able to incorporate these principles into the final program is doubtful.
Remember that we have a business-friendly government in power. A lot of money has and will be spent to make sure illegals and guest workers receive as few personal rights as possible.
But without several of our proposed changes, we wonder if Bush isn’t creating a new underclass, a population of second-tier citizens living hand-to-mouth who become fresh prey for the consumer industry.
Executive Editor and Associate Managing Editor did not participate in this week’s editorial. Senior Editor abstains from all editorial board opinions.
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