Amnesty Solution

I will give you a brief run down here of what I have said in the past. First, I am not just a conservative, I am a compassionate man. Also, before I am an American, I am a Christian. To me law is useful for the Kingdom, but it is not an end-all. Even with regard to God's laws, we see Jesus saying that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). There is a place for law. But law must serve compassion. And compassion must guide law.

The prevailing mentality in conservative circles has been to favor the deportation of illegal aliens. Anyone who believes illegals should be granted clemency is accused of inconsistency and subversion as well as disloyalty to the conservatist cause.

Well, perhaps I'm not such an arch-conservative. I may be in favor of staying the course in Iraq, but I do not support the death penalty. I may score 100% when it comes to Pro-Life causes, but I believe in greater gun control.

Since a member of my own family was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01, may I say that I feel I have the right to express my opinion regarding border enforcement? My solution has always been the same - not blanket, but guarded amnesty, as per the proposal below. If you follow me you will notice that wherever I discuss problems, I usually offer solutions. And good ones. I offer these not as anyone with political aspirations, but for those who do.

Let us reason together. Clearly, two separate issues are at stake. First, there is the question of law. Second, there is the question of security. With regard to law, clemency fits nicely in the grand scheme of things for Christians, who have been released by their "Savior" from the bondage of law - not so they can become lawless, but so they can, like him, fulfill the law and its purpose - which is to bring about abundant life and every good thing. To grant clemency and/or amnesty is by no means inconsistent with loving law. It simply does not place law, especially man's laws, above the very purpose of law itself.

Whereas morality may not ever be served by relativism, law can be.

While the country may have every legal right to enforce its laws against illegals, it does not necessarily have this right in the light of kingdom purposes and compassion. All one needs to do is observe the distress of a family that is seeking to pursue happiness in the United States, seeing their hope dashed by those in favor of enforcement in a political context where the debate is either for amnesty or deportation - without a middle ground, fueled by post-9/11 alarmism to see this. But the argument from law only works for those who see law as an end in itself.

Yes, America is a nation of laws. But no, America is not just a nation of laws. It is a nation of hope.

The argument from law does not, therefore, in my heartfelt opinion, justify the argument for blanket enforcement. Two issues - security and economics - are for one who is truly Pro-American (in the sense of wishing for abundant life within it) - the overriding concern with regard to enforcement. My solution has always addressed both of these concerns. A third issue is language. Many Americans are upset that so many immigrants fail to learn any English. Any solution has to take all these considerations into account.

On all of these fronts there are pros and cons and differing perspectives. Let's get real.

As to security, less than 1% of illegals pose any real security threat. Many of those here legally are indeed threats to security. Enforcement of law does not solve the problem of security.
As to economics, it is one thing to look at high health care, school district, penal system, social security abuse, tax dodging, and financial drain to foreign families. It is another to consider what a good solution could provide.
As to language and culture, to what extent is America really defined by English, or by custom? Many have said that the founding fathers envisioned a Christian nation with religious liberty that would accommodate diverse opinion. That vision was probably much narrower in the beginning than it has now become. We have seen where that debate has taken us. That English has become the predominant language is incidental. There is nothing in the constitution that defines English, or Western European customs and culture as being specifically American. This fact in itself poses danger because those who espouse the religion espoused by our enemies are one of our countries fastest growing segments. Yet only a minority of that population is radical and dangerous.

SOLUTION

Let me cut to the chase. The solution does not have to be complex. Neither does it have to be expensive.

Centralize the INS/HLS database so that records can be accessed through a single source and red tape can be eliminated.
Issue an HLS card. Make HLS card possession the normative means of identification, rather than drivers licenses or social security cards. The cards will include pictures and bar codes, which tie into the HLS database.
Charge money for the cards so that the operation pays for itself.
Issue HLS cards to all Americans, not just immigrants, every man woman and child.
Fingerprints, DNA swabs and retinal prints are part of the application process and database. Did you say you were concerned about security?
Lost cards can be replaced with verification at the possessor's expense.
Application for citizenship begins online. Current illegals are welcome to apply.
To have an application approved one must obtain adequate documentation.
1. Current Social Security Number
2. In the absence of a valid SSN, re-verified Green Card, Temporary Work or Exchange VISAs or any of a number of Exemption Class certifications, such as those belonging to embassy diplomats, etc.
3. A set number (say 10) of, authenticated (meaning with retinal scan and voice recording) recommendations by existing legal citizens.
4. A complete background check from the source nation(s). If background identity cannot be verified then an exception must be applied for. Elected officials must grant the exceptions so any resulting problems will fall on their shoulders. Exceptions policy involves a screening and filtering process. Applicant begins process with all other documentation including authentication by existing legal citizens and fees paid in advance.
5. Applicant must pass several examinations:
  1. Online test in which facial picture and fingerprint is submitted and fee is paid.
  2. Medical examination by certified examiner in the sending country
  3. Once in the US, re-examination of both
  4. Interview with HLS
Double Border Fences with virtual and physical security surveilance need to surround the entire perimeter of Canada/Mexico border areas. Paying for this is as simple as charging money to those who wish to cross.
Dangerous sea passage is thus the only other illegal means for entry into the country. A portion of the additional revenue generated by a stricter and more expensive application process as outlined above, where the applicant foots the bill, places a little more money into the hands of our Coast Guard. Let's do it.

Implications

By placing HLS centers in each of the sending nations, revenue can be generated and security safeguarded at the same time. The medical exams and application process cost money to the applicant or their family. If no one is willing to pay to send them, or they are unable to pay for the examinations themselves, then odds are they will be unproductive as US citizens.

Current illegals living in the US would go to American HLS centers for their examinations and applications. This would be more expensive. For any who could not afford this process, they could go to their churches or to friends or to anyone who would be willing to help prior to being deported. There is enough compassion in this good country to keep good people in, while sending those less deserving, back to their own countries. If this is not the case, then why do we even care? America is apparently nothing special. This addresses security.

Then there are the econimic implication. Once illegals become legals by this due process, they become tax paying citizens. If they start out by "doing jobs Americans refuse to do" then we wind up with people doing jobs - not a bad thing. AND they pay taxes. Now, if they want to send American dollars to their families in their countries, then is this not a form of self-less service to a human citizen? Imagine working for minimum wage yet while sending a portion of your earnings to a charity you believe in. The recipients may not be Americans, but in my view it is nothing short of heroic. But either way, they wind up putting money into health care and social security, not taking money out of it.

Finally, I can't imagine that with the above proposal implemented that many issues such language and culture would not also be protected. If there is a requirement that ten verified US citizens recommend an applicant, and if there is a requirement that an applicant pass a test, that is administered in English, before they ever apply for citizenship or cross our borders to begin with, then the issues that concern most people who passionately debate this subject will be adequately addressed. To go beyond this would seem to be un-American.

Give them some time to study the language. Some people learn much faster than others. Give them time to gather up their documentation and referring citizens. Be merciful, America, and you will be shown mercy. Give me your tired, your poor, your hungry, yes! But let the American dream of life, of prosperity, of liberty, of happiness and of love also be fulfilled.

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