Introduction

We have a massive and inexcusable crisis at our Southern border. But the crisis is merely a symptom; the disease is in DC--and in us. 

That is the subject of today’s 10-minute blog/podcast.

Continuing

I believe that America is a unique and exceptional place, and that you--you and I--have an equally unique and exceptional role to play in it. Yes, you have heard that from me before, and you will hear it again. That’s what drives this podcast.

Your role, our role, includes knowing what is happening in our immigration system, how to fix it, and what our role is in fixing it. Yes, we all have a role to play here.

Our government, both sides of the aisle, is failing us. The immigration solution is simple to understand, and very implementable. Personal and party gain are what is keeping our elected representatives from doing even the basics of their job with immigration. They feel, with some cause, that attacking and insulting will get them what they want; to be elected and to keep being reelected. If we want more from our elected representatives, we, we the people, we the voters, need to lead.

To get to what our role is here, we need to ask one--one-- simple question, hoping for a simple, truthful answer; “Do we want open borders?” We have open borders between states. Travel is unrestricted; one can become a citizen of a different state by merely showing up and staying. We are one nation, with free movement among the states, and free access to the benefits, including a variety of taxpayer-supported services, the various states offer. And voting; more states, like my home state of Colorado, offer same-day voter registration. Is that what we want for our country? Do we want to offer the same type of free, instant access to taxpayer-funded benefits and voting--in other words instant, full citizenship privileges and benefits--to residents of other countries that we allow residents of other states?

If the answer is yes, then we must have the courage to say it clearly and out loud. “The simple truth is, I want open borders. National boundaries should mean no more than state boundaries.” We could stop spinning our wheels in disingenuous arguments about the effectiveness of walls and who is and who isn’t being fair and inclusive. And we could stop wringing our hands about terminology like “undocumented” vs. “illegal”--everyone would be legal. Declaring the simple truth “I want open borders” would take the debate to a very different--and honest--level. Right where it needs to be.

Pause to define undocumented vs. illegal by example. If I am a qualified driver and am driving without my paperwork with me, I am undocumented. If I am not a qualified driver and am driving anyway, I am illegal. Being pulled over and asked for my paperwork does not have any effect on my status; it merely exposes it. 

I don’t want open borders. No nation can exist for any length of time like that. And I don’t want to be the State of America in the United Nations of the World. What I do want is a secure, prosperous, welcoming America; an America that can continue to be attractive and lead the way for the rest of the world. Here’s how we do that--5 easy steps:

Secure our borders. Stop using the term “wall.” We don’t need a wall everywhere; technology, manpower and natural boundaries can be very effective. 

Insist that employers use E-verify prior to hiring.

Use technology to track those who overstay their visas; by most accounts most of those who are here illegally have overstayed their visas.

Create a path to citizenship for illegals. Put them behind those who came here legally and followed the time-consuming legal process. And no path to voting; that’s a bridge too far for anyone who snuck in. Yes, this is amnesty. But with secure borders--finally--it will be...