Guest Author - Linda Sue Grimes

Secure the Border - Enforce the Law
Thompson proposes seven policies that he believes will “put the nation on the path to success” in securing the border and enforcing the law:

1. Amnesty: He rejects amnesty, claiming that it “rewards bad behavior, and is unfair to millions of immigrants who follow the law.” The law-abiding immigrants deserve legal status ahead of those who come here illegally.
2. Self-Deportation: By enforcing the laws we already have on immigration and holding employers who violate those laws accountable, we would motivate many illegals to self-deport and many would-be illegals would simply not come here illegally. Thompson wants to increase the number of ICE and border security agents. He wants the Department of Justice to prosecute illegal offenders, particularly smugglers. He wants to expedite the removal process, and he wants the Social Security Administration to share information with law enforcement.
3. Enforcement of existing laws: Congress has already passed immigration laws that would, if enforced, go a long way toward solving the illegal immigration problem. Enforcement of provisions of 8 USC 1373 and 8 USC 1644, would end sanctuary cities. Thompson would deny funds to cities, counties, states that violate these laws.
4. Reduce the jobs incentive: Make sure employers vet each employ with Homeland Security’s electronic database system, called the E-Verify System. This verification would determine if the prospective employee is authorized to work in the U.S.
5. Enhance border security: Thompson proposes that the wall that is required by legislation 8 USC 1103 be finished by 2010. He encourages new technologies that would further enhance border security.
6. Prosecute the offenders: Thompson specifically wants smugglers prosecuted, especially those who have violated our laws repeatedly. He would make available additional funds to meet this goal.
7. Track visas: For more than ten years, the Congress has had a law in place to track entering and existing visa holders. Thompson would connect this process with the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to eliminate visa overstays.

Improve Legal Immigration Process
Thompson wants to welcome those seeking legal entry in the country, and he offers six steps toward this aim. He asserts, “Advancing the following initiatives will require close cooperation between all levels of government, the business community, and concerned citizens”:
1. Maximize Efficiency: Add more personnel to the Citizenship and Immigration Services and the FBI, in order to reduce the backlog and expedite applications seeking legal entry into U.S.
2. Enhance Employment Reporting: Help businesses report employment so the government can keep track of visas and those who remain employed.
3. Modernize Law: Give legal status only to immediate family members willing to learn English and contribute to the economy, and who want to assimilate.
4. Require English Language Proficiency: To help immigrants assimilate and participate fully as a citizen.
5. Recognize Politically Oppressed Immigrants: To ensure that the U.S. remains a “beacon and a haven for persons fleeing political oppression, while assuring appropriate admission standards are maintained.”
6. Recognize Service to Country: Those who have served in the military and those who are here legally should be fast-tracked to citizenship.

Fred Thompson’s specific plan to deal with the illegal immigration problem stresses border security and enforcing already existing laws, while including the encouragement of those who want legally to become U. S. citizens. He intends to augment the procedures to expedite his plans.

For more information:
Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan