A Sensible Immigration Policy for Trump’s America

A multi-pronged immigration enforcement strategy, combining resolute border security with a flexible, needs-based work visa program, offers a pragmatic approach to managing immigration flows while addressing economic demands. This strategy prioritizes the removal of individuals who pose a risk to public safety and ensures that labor needs are met efficiently and legally.

The first pillar of this strategy focuses on securing the border and enforcing existing laws. This includes significantly increasing border patrol presence, deploying advanced surveillance technology, and strengthening partnerships with international law enforcement agencies to disrupt transnational criminal organizations. Crucially, this pillar mandates the swift deportation of individuals with criminal records and those who already provided due process with deportation orders already issued. This decisive action sends a clear message that illegal entry and criminal activity will not be tolerated, deterring future attempts and upholding the integrity of the legal immigration system.

The second pillar centers on a dynamic work visa program managed by the Department of Labor. This program would proactively identify sectors experiencing labor shortages. By working closely with industries and employers, the Department of Labor would determine the specific skills and qualifications required for open positions. Subsequently, they would issue work visas to qualified individuals, both domestically and internationally, who possess the necessary skills to fill these critical roles. This targeted approach ensures that businesses can access the workforce they need, preventing labor bottlenecks and promoting economic growth.

A key component of this work visa program would prioritize access for undocumented immigrants already residing in the United States who have demonstrated a commitment to contributing to the tax system where your order in the queue is at least in part determined by their total tax contribution. While acknowledging their undocumented status, this prioritization recognizes the practical reality of their presence and their economic contributions. By allowing these individuals to apply for work visas based on their tax contributions, the government can incentivize compliance, generate revenue, and potentially bring these individuals into the formal economy. This approach offers a pathway to legal status for those who have demonstrably integrated into American society and contributed financially. It can include a requirement to self-deport and legally reenter and also include minimum pre-requisite number of years of consistent tax payment to prevent encouraging new illegal entrants. 

In conclusion, this comprehensive immigration enforcement strategy offers a balanced approach. It combines a firm stance against illegal immigration and criminal activity with a practical solution to address labor shortages. By prioritizing border security, targeted deportations, and a flexible, needs-based work visa program, this strategy seeks to protect national security, uphold the rule of law, and support economic prosperity. Furthermore, prioritizing tax-paying undocumented immigrants offers a pragmatic solution that acknowledges their contributions and potentially integrates them into the legal system.