Bad idea, we will get 12 million more citizens with no patriotic affiliation to the U.S.A. and open up the massive immigration of another 12 millions.

Works for me.

I agree that the primary focus now must be on those who are attempting to cross now and will attempt to do so in the future--- only once the border is secured should our attention be directed to those already here. Assuming that the creation of a guest worker program is included in any immigration reform package most illegals currently present in the United States should be permitted to participate in such a program.

I believe in a version of this. Anyone and everyone who lives in the country will be considered a "civilian" and receive a basic level of government support. Anyone who has or is currently engaged in national service of some description will be awarded "citizen" status. This would inlcude several rights above and beyond the "civilian" level and most importantly would include the rights to vote, own land or run for political office. It would be radical but effective. It would not be difficult for any "civilian" to attempt to become a "citizen" but it would involve hard work. This would solve the problem that all developed countries have with a percentage of immigrants, both legal and otherwise, that wish to receive the benefits of a developed and socially responsible nation but do not wish to contribute anything toward the maintenance and betterment of that nation. NOTE - this isn't my idea, it's Heinlein's

On one hand, I can understand doing this. On the other, it would permanently discourage the following of proper procedures for citizenship.

Such enabling. . .so very much like Washington. . .keep the cheap labor coming! Make sure you keep the train of excuses coming for the middle class! ("They do the work that Americans won't do" is a Clinton-esque howler.) The constant and never-ending flow of uneducated cheap labor has finally hit critical mass. . .I don't like the idea of rewarding illegal behavior. . .

Well, we've already provided over half a dozen amnesties or amnesty extensions in the last 20 years and you can see how well that's worked to solve the problem of undocumented laborers. Amnesties just act as a huge beacon to illegals, inviting them to break our laws because they will eventually be rewarded.

And just why do we want to reward people for breaking the law?(although this seems to be fine with the current administration) I have plenty of respect for immigrants-but those who come here illegally and are willing to be exploited by greedy employers are causing problems.First of all,they are not so much "doing the jobs Americans do not want" as they are doing jobs Citizens could have for much lower wages and NO benefits.How can law abiding immigrants and citizens compete in such a job market? They can't ! Last but not least: there is NO WAY of knowing if an illegal alien is criminal or not.They may be fleeing from the law.They could be rapists,murderers,thieves and yes-Terrorists.The ONLY reason our officials allow this to go on is to provide CHEAP LABOR for their wealthy corporate masters-regardless of the effect on unemployment,social security,medicare and the "National Security" they CLAIM to care so much about!