I want to weigh in

on this immigration debate.  But first, realize that I have lived and worked outside the US in 2 different countries over the past 6 years.  In one, Serbia, I didn’t speak the “official” language we had to deal with the government in.  In the second, I did; however, not everyone got a “pass” on the English Language test necessary to get a visa.  Here’s what I think we should do (and why):

1. If you get caught in the US illegally, you get sent back to your home country.  You are forever denied a legal entry visa.
2. If you get caught overstaying your visa, you get sent back to your home country.  You will be denied a legal entry visa for a period of time (10 years perhaps).
3. If you want a visa to come work, you (or your employer/sponsor) must prove you can provide for your needs for 6-8 months (either by pledging to support you or showing bank statements)
4. Your visa will be marked as “no public funds” or “assistance.”  Only citizens are eligible for welfare (I’d make exceptions for genuine refugees)
5. If your parents are illegally here and are caught (but you were born here) you can stay as long as any rules are met (regarding care for minors, etc…).  If you are an adult, you can stay no problem.  You can even apply to sponsor your parents (but see numbers 1 and 2).
6. There’s only one pathway to citizenship and that starts with a legal visa.