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Richard Tarrant on Immigration |
A: Today, 11 million illegal immigrants are living and working in communities across the US. It is clear that we must find a way to tighten border security and deal with the growing problem of illegal immigration. But at the same time we need to acknowledge the reality that immigrant workers have an impact not only on the national economy, but on our state's economy as well. I believe the proposal being advanced by Sen. John McCain is the right way to proceed. Sen. McCain's proposal would tighten border security while at the same time put in place a process for dealing with illegal immigrants. Immigrants will have to earn the status of staying in this country. They will have to pay a fine, pay back taxes, undergo a thorough background investigation, learn English, and work for six years. They will only be granted permanent residency and the opportunity to apply for citizenship after all foreigners who have followed the rules.