by Kevin Olsen

Created on: May 24, 2007

I'm a strict believer in following laws. Inversely I despise those who feed off of good citizens by throwing off their own mantle of responsibility. Illegal alien are doing just that and it's wrong. Therefore I disagree with any bill that allows illegals to become legal just because. That's like pardoning a murderer because he said he was sorry (only the illegals aren't even apologizing). But how to fix the problem of MILLIONS of law breakers within the US boarders?

The answer is in the illustration: If there were millions of drug dealers who simultaneously agreed to give up their heinous acts and rejoin the population of law-abiding citizens would we immediately throw them in jail? The answer is "probably not." I do believe they should be punished for their actions, but then they should immediately be given opportunities to reform. Projects, programs, and systems are in place for such situations.

Alright, so what about the illegal alien? Well, the same principles apply. If a family of illegals walked into the nearest immigration department and told the officer on duty that they were sorry for what they did but they now desire to become legal, do you throw them in jail or send them packing? We're talking about the potential of MILLIONS of people. Imagine the sheer resources we would need to do that. The best course would be to allot them the appropriate punishment; community service, etc and then get them into a citizen program that provides them with identification and puts them on the road to genuine citizenship. What does this do? They pay for their crime (and in fulfilling their punishment show whether or not their serious about doing this the legal way) and they're now on the path to legality.

That way if an illegal is found they must show proof that they've changed their ways and are now seeking the correct path. They will show their identification, fulfill their responsibilities, and continue in the citizen program.

BUT, if someone is found who doesn't have proof that they're becoming citizens or they haven't fulfilled their community service/punishment then they need to be put on the next bus, boat, or plane due for their native land . . . they don't belong here.

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