by Nancy L. Baumann

Created on: June 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 24, 2009

Legal immigrants have all the legal rights afforded to US citizens, and they should receive the benefits of the best legal system in the world.

However, Illegal immigrants should be detained, then deported the moment they are discovered. They have already committed a crime by virtue of being in America. Their presence in this country is illegal. They are not "documented workers," they are ILLEGAL aliens. Period.

Here's how I think it should work, in the case of Mexican or Canadian illegals. The US has an extensive rail system and we should take advantage of it. The government, in its effort to stimulate the economy, will invest in old railroad cars, refurbishing them for passenger use with basic amenities like seats, toilets, water and K-rations. This creates additional jobs for our own citizens, a stimulus to local economies and helps to solve the immigrant problem. Then we mobilize the trains - Alien Trains, if you will. They run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, picking up detained illegals from all corners of the country and dumping them back over their own borders, which are patrolled to prohibit their reentry.

What if the illegals are from other countries? Once again, they should be detained and deported immediately, transferred back to their home countries. Why not toss a little bailout money to our airlines in return for their cooperation? The taxpayer provides the dollars and they provide the seats. Win/win.

So, do we just snatch them off the street? What if they have families? We should do whatever is required to send these lawbreakers home. Round them up at work, at school, in apartments or on the street - then stick them on the train. Before long you will have entire illegal families lining up to board the train voluntarily, to avoid being captured separately.

It goes without saying that all people, illegal or legitimate, should be treated with respect and courtesy during the transition. Their basic needs will be met during their short trip home, but after that, they are own their own. At home, in their own country.

As they exit the train or plane, they will be handed a pamphlet - written in English - that explains the steps they can take to enter the US legally and become citizens. It will describe the sponsorship required, the years of residency they must establish, the classes they must take, the language they must learn, the test they must pass, and the citizenship ceremony they will enjoy; once they have proved themselves worthy of this country. These, we welcome with open arms and are delighted to share our opportunities and resources with peoples of all backgrounds, who don't try to steal the American Dream.

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