by Carmen Polvere

Created on: May 26, 2010

The economic reality of 10 million document challenged guests in the United States who want to come out of the shadows and into the lighted path toward citizenship is billions of dollars back into circulation.

Begin with paying a $2,000 fine ($20 billion) for not having proper documentation followed by five years of applying for a Temporary Work Visa at $1000 per year ($25 billion) and ending with an application for a Resident Visa for $500 ($5 billion) which after five years ends in citizenship. The total amount in fines and visa applications alone is $50 billion. That’s just for starters. 

Once out of the shadows, document challenged will guests will be able to go to their local secretary of state and apply for a driver’s license. Add another $1 billion to financially strapped state coffers.

Earnings from those with Temporary Visas will stay in this country and go into credit unions and banks. Those with Temporary Visas who had previously been unable in most states to apply for a home mortgage will now be able to do. A new vehicle purchase will shortly follow.

The housing and automobile markets will become healthier. Newly purchased homes will also need new appliances. Add another sector of the economy that benefits.

A Temporary Visa means a new social security number. Where many had accepted cash previously will now insist on a payroll check with proper payroll deductions. The Social Security Trust Fund will receive a huge boost in new revenue. The current dire warnings Americans receive just before their birthdays from the Social Security Administration on funds being exhausted by 2037 will end.  

The concern that document challenged guests will take jobs away from Americans who are unemployed will diminish once their buying power spreads throughout the economy creating newer and higher paying jobs.

As 10 million people complete their journey toward United States citizenship thousands of teaching positions will be needed to assist in the civics examination required. It has been an honor over the years to share a cup of coffee with a co-worker the day after they were sworn in as new citizens.

The economic benefit of allowing undocumented guests to continue working in the United States through temporary and resident visas is secondary of course to finally bringing an end to the divisive immigration debate which is tearing this country apart. To those document challenged guests, who came to the United States to work, obey the laws and participate in the American dream I have one word: Welcome.      

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