I don't know about you, but I really don't have a problem with the status quo on illegal immigration. For me, it seems like it is the least worst option. I don't support sealing the border and punishing people who help illegal immigrants because I believe in liberty and I certainly don't support making being an illegal immigrant a felony, because wanting to work is not a felony and we are spending enough on Federal Prisons. I also don't really support allowing undocumented immigrants currently here a chance to become citizens, as it would be a slap in the face to people who come here legally.
So why can't we just leave well enough alone?
The current system is basically that it's somewhat dangerous to get into the country, but if you make it, you can stay here as an undocumented alien. They would have to pay all taxes and not be eligible for any public benefits except for public education for children. Undocumented immigrants shouldn't be eligible for non-public education benefits as a welfare state would be unsustainable if we did. Their children should be able to get education though as they will be living here any way, so it is to society as a whole's benefit that there are not uneducated people growing up around us.
The current system seems to me to be win-win for America as a whole and for illegal immigrants. American society gets their tax revenues and is able to benefit from their labor, on which our society depends. Illegal immigrants also benefit, as they are choosing to come and stay here despite the fact that they are paying taxes without getting any benefits in return. If they did not like this system, they would not have come over.
The one change in policy we should have is basically to be open about what is going on. We should just say that it's gonna be hard to get in, but if you do get in, we won't kick you out, but you'll have to pay all taxes without Social Security or any other public benefits other than education.
Please tell me how this is not a win-win situation?