The Guest-Worker Program Solution

As mentioned a few weeks ago, I believe that the largest step in solving our nation's illegal immigration problem lies in creating an effective guest-worker program. Currently, our guest-worker program is on hold and has not made much progress since president Bush first proposed it in 2004. So, as promised, I will outline what I mean by "a carefully planned and properly executed guest-worker program."

Proper and thorough identification
Firstly, the U.S. must identify those who are entering this country as effectively as possible. Utilizing current technology, a guest-worker program should apply the same principles as the US-Visit program, where they do so biometrically. Biometric identification refers to using the latest techniques in fingerprinting, retina scanning and photographs, to get the most accurate and comprehensive account of who is here.

Incentive for existing workers and employers
Any new program that is created needs to provide an incentive for the already millions of undocumented workers that are in this country to join. This means that our new laws should not involve rigid time limits for participation, that we start to enforce our laws, or both. For example, if there is a limit of three years that one can be a guest-worker, then where is the incentive for them to join? Similarly, employers need to feel the pressure of following our laws, this will motivate them to regulate themselves on who they hire.

Guest-worker programs are not amnesty or citizenship
One of the most important things to maintain throughout any such program is that it is NOT amnesty or citizenship. As such, individuals in the guest-worker program will not receive the social program benefits that citizens do. As previously stated, any such new program should be modeled, in part, on the US-Visit program. In this instance, immigrant workers should be treated just like those visiting this country, subject to our laws but not entitled to our social programs.

These three conditions are what I consider to be the pillars of a successful guest-worker program. We need to encourage immigrants and their employers to have them registered with our program, we need to have them properly accounted for and we need to make sure that they aren't draining our resources or obtaining the privilege of a legitimate U.S. citizen. The path to citizenship is different and can be pursued separately.

Many opponents of similar programs and part of the reason why it is currently stalled is that they fear it will "open the gates" in a manner of speaking. The reality is, however, that the gates are already open, and its lack of effective regulation makes them open in dangerous and inhumane ways. The proper use of this program would shore up such issues.

Note: The outlined ideas, as well as many others are touched upon by the heritage foundation. I do not personally subscribe to all of their ideas or interpretations of the ideas that we share (as we share them broadly). However, here is an elaboration on the topic and at times a slightly different take.