A solution to the illegal immigrant problem

Here’s an idea you might think is workable and a good solution to the illegal immigrant problem in the United States. We have a new president coming into the White House soon, and solving the illegal immigrant problem has been a centerpiece of his campaign since its inception. It will be solved, but how?

To safeguard Americans from dangerous crimes being committed by immigrants, the president-elect has wisely promised to begin deporting all illegal immigrants with felony convictions from the country just as soon as he is sworn in as president. I’m now suggesting that, while he is building the wall and deport- ing criminal immigrants to make the country much safer and also help control refugees and asylum seekers, we urge our president-elect with our voices and letters to go easier on the illegals who are not other wise criminals, but simply need our help.

Here’s what can be done: Issue all remaining “illegal aliens,” those without criminal records, new “Purple ID Cards,” valid for just 15 years when they can become legitimate, American citizens. Also, issue each one of them a provisional social security number. All such illegals would know that just a single felony conviction during the 15year provisional period would provide for jail time and mandatory deportation, but reaching the 15-year goal without a serious crime would assure them of U.S. citizenship forever.

These moves would significantly reduce crime and also provide needed labor in the U.S. Such an opportunity would guarantee legal status, which is what illegal immigrants need most. Fifteen years will provide time for illegals to become fully immersed in American culture and language, sufficient to easily pass a proficiency exam entitling them to citizenship and to vote for the first time.

This is an easy solution to a very complex problem. I think it will work very well, and give “good illegals” badly needed credibility, and family security, too.

The real fear of deportation has caused great concerns, particularly in the mostly Latino community of illegals, whose lives in the U.S. are now very much in limbo. Our president-elect has recently shown to all that he is looking for a solution and can be quite flexible. We’ve already seen, from his handling of many recent issues surrounding his campaign and in the picking of his leadership team, that he is actually a very sympathetic and reasonable person.

But like all great leaders, he does demand respect for country and obedience to the laws. The impressive capabilities of all of the president-elect’s very successful children demonstrate what great potential there might be for the country if similar disciplines are implemented. Expanding that respectful self-discipline of the president-elect’s children to the entire country should help all Americans, and not just those otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants who are now filled with the ongoing fear of deportation.