by JR Wondra

Created on: December 10, 2008

Immigration Reform, The Ellis Island of the 21st Century,

Last year, Congress debated, agreed on, then let die immigration reform. This spring, the issue will be resurrected.

The ideas discussed included $5,000 payments, repatriation and employer sanctions. Not discussed: the responsibility of the countries of origin. A plan putting responsibility exactly where it belongs, on Mexico, Canada, employers, and the immigrants themselves should be considered.

We should eliminate the incentive to come, increase the incentive to stay, and provide the ability to assimilate for those who enter the United States legally.

First, the burden for stemming the flow of illegal entrants should be on the sources: Mexico and Canada! We would send each country funds (the controversial $5,000 payments) conditioned on the creation of "Emigration Centers" (ECs). Such centers would bear the responsibility for verifying identities, performing criminal background checks, certifying health and "readiness." Readiness would include some marketable skill and at least a rudimentary ability to communicate, orally and in writing, in English. (That's all we get from most of our public schools anyway; why hold our neighbors to a higher standard?)

Before any payments are made, each country would have to demonstrate interdiction of potential border crossers. For example, for every 100 apprehensions, or every "Coyote," (I know, it's a bounty; but so what?) we would make a $5,000 payment toward the construction, staffing and operation of the ECs. There might even be a "debit" for those apprehended on U. S. soil. The U. S. and the neighbors jointly construct and organize the ECs, leaving the operations to the hosts, subject to our oversight. By participating in the construction and operation, we provide jobs for Americans, and ensure that facilities and programs meet the standard the United States sets for readiness.

Before an emigrant could leave, transported by us, he would have to complete the EC program. He'll get a passport-type document for use in the States and an entrance package with a small amount of cash to get him started. They'd cross using an HOV lane at the border and debarkation at some pre-determined location. Many border and near-border communities already have bus and transportation facilities catering to travelers to the U. S. Entrepreneurial emigrants could establish hostels, motels and other facilities for their temporary accommodation.

But, that's long term.

Short-term enforcement would

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