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The current debate raging over illegal immigration and what (if anything) should be done about it has been dominated on one side or the other by issues such as national security, fences, racism, deportation, patriotism, and citizenship. None of these discussions have resulted in anything approaching a reasonable and effective solution.

Build a fence? According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, the U.S.-Mexico border is 1969 miles long. At about $10 million/mile (from Department of Homeland Security figures for a "secure" fence) we are looking at a cost of $20 billion or so. Where would the money come from? Higher taxes? Yes, although it might be concealed by Congress. Our fearless representatives have a habit of agreeing to pay for things without clearly stating where the money will come from. Since nobody would agree to cutting $20 billion from the Defense Department budget to pay for this, the only solution would be some form of increased taxation. Would that stop the influx? I doubt it. The economic pressure to migrate north is too strong. Other ways to enter this country would be found.

Deportation is not a viable solution, either. How much would it cost to locate and deport 12 or 14 million people? Rights of citizens have to be recognized and protected in the process. Speaking Spanish must not be allowed to be used as grounds for deportation. How much would deportation cost? According to the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it would cost $94 billion to deport most of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants who are here now. So that is not going to happen.

Some of the most vociferous opponents of illegal immigration object on grounds that are clearly racist. Their ravings just serve to obscure the real issues. Racism is a serious problem but it will not be dealt with here. Similarly, discussions of patriotism, national security, and "the land of immigrants" just dodge the real issue.

The real problem (not for those who are illegally but for citizens) is economic. Illegal immigrants are a vast source of cheap labor and that is all there is to the issue and its resolution. Punishment and deportation of those who enter the country illegally will not have a significant effect on the numbers trying to get into this country. The economic conditions that drive them to seek employment here will not magically disappear if every single illegal immigrant were deported tomorrow. They will stop trying to cross the border, however, if the

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