Is using E-Verify the path forward on U.S. immigration policy?

“We need Trump’s wall, both physical and psychological,” Nov. 26 guest commentary.

I have long disagreed with many of Dick Lamm’s policies (although I see him as one of the best governors Colorado has had in a long time). But his position on using E-Verify to stop the flow of illegal immigration is one that I — and I hope the Trump administration — can support.

I have often wondered why we can’t use modern technology to control this contentious issue. I think expired visas should be easily recognized, and should be required documentation for non-residents to use when accessing services in the United States. That would also eliminate those who want to stay here but don’t want to get a verifiable job.

Let’s all support a valid, verifiable, and effective immigration system.

BBB Dick Lamm wants our immigration laws to be respected. The problem is that those laws aren’t practical, and if they remain so, they aren’t going to get any respect. There is a lot of legitimate demand out there for immigrant labor. Many businesses can’t operate without it. They can’t find enough homegrown Americans who are willing to do back-breaking field work, make up motel beds, scrub pots in restaurants, etc. Try to get homeless people to do those jobs? Forget it. High-tech industries can’t find enough skilled workers. So our immigration laws need to be changed to be consistent with demand. When that is done, E-Verify will work. Start jailing employers who continue to hire illegals and watch how fast illegal immigration comes to a halt. Like, overnight. No wall needed. Our problem is with our congressional representatives. They don’t have a 9 percent approval rating for nothing.

BBB Thank you, former Gov. Dick Lamm, for your common-sense guest commentary making the issues on illegal immigration so clear.