My Take on Immigration Reform: Control, Amnesty, and Lawfulness

Living in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Chicago, I reflect on illegal immigration on a near-daily basis. While most of the folks on my street are law-abiding citizens, there are no doubt illegals stowed among them, including women like Elvira Arellano, an immigrant who, as of this writing, is receiving national media attention for her defiance of a deportation order and her bold decision to seek well-publicized sanctuary in a church. Ms. Arellano came to the United States illegally a second time after already being deported once. She used a fake social security number to obtain a job, and then had an anchor baby - a son who is now a seven-year-old American citizen. Some folks are beginning to call her the “Rosa Parks of Immigration,” a title I personally consider outlandish and absurd. Others just call her a criminal, a label I frankly consider more appropriate. So what do we do with Elvira – and the millions of other people here illegally?

Although I am normally a bleeding heart liberal, I really break with my comrades on the issue of immigration reform. Sure, lots of illegal immigrants work hard and take otherwise undesirable jobs, but many are also an undue drain on our nation's resources. Our schools can't handle the language problems. Our hospitals are overwhelmed by people without insurance (shouldn't we make sure all our citizens get health insurance first?). Our outdated infrastructure buckles under the extra weight of people who made a conscious decision to come here when they know they are illegal.

My position is one of control and containment - followed by a very reluctant yet pragmatic amnesty - followed by a reign of strict lawfulness. I suppose that, to some, my take on immigration reform will seem harsh and that, to others, it will not seem harsh enough. I believe in law and order, but I also believe in practicality.

I realize this borders on oversimplification, but for the purpose of clarity, I outline three main steps:

1. Immigration Reform: Control and Containment