Ending the Tide of Illegal Immigration

The number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. has exploded in the last decade from 3 million to over 12 million. We must secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, punish Sanctuary cities and reject amnesty if we are to restore Americans’ faith in the rule of law.

CHALLENGE : The number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. has exploded in the last decade from 3 million to over 12 million. The increasing tide of illegal Immigration has eroded Americans' faith in the rule of law, put great pressure on our health and education systems, and compromised our national security as our ability to secure our border is questioned around the world. This tide of illegal Immigration has made a mockery of our legal Immigration system and been fundamentally unfair to those legal immigrants who play by the rules as they wait patiently to pursue the American dream. Sanctuary cities, in particular, attract more illegal immigrants and increase the pressure on federal law enforcement and border control.GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "The current system puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current Immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically-enabled and tamperproof documentation and employment-verification system, and increase legal Immigration into America." (David Yepsen, Op-Ed, "So Far, Romney's Been Most Impressive Republican," Des Moines Register, 7/11/2007) Secure The Border. Follow through on Congressional commitment to build a physical and technological fence along the southern border, and secure other points of entry. Implement An Enforceable Employer Verification System. Issue a biometrically-enabled and tamperproof card to non-citizens and create a national database for non-citizens so employers can easily verify their legal status in this country. Reject Amnesty. Do not give amnesty or any special pathway to those who have come to this country illegally. Punish Sanctuary cities. Cut back federal funding to cities that are "sanctuaries" for illegal immigrants and refuse to comply with federal law or aid federal law enforcement. Improve Interior Enforcement. Provide resources to enforce Immigration laws throughout the nation, and crackdown on employers who continue to hire illegals with stiffer fines and penalties. Encourage Legal Immigration**. Streamline the system to recruit and retain skilled workers and welcome the best and the brightest from around the world to our universities.  

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "I was at the San Diego border and met with our Border Patrol agents. They told me that more than a half of those that try and come across those fences are able to do so. They said there's no way to stop them at the border, unless you close down the magnets. And the magnets are Sanctuary cities and having employers sign people up that have come here illegally to do work here. You have to end Sanctuary cities. You have to cut back on federal funding to cities that continue to call themselves Sanctuary cities and welcome people in, as New York has done. And you have to say to employers that hire people illegally, 'That's also going to be sanctioned.' This is the way we're going to have to finally end it. And the other key point is this, which is having amnesty and saying to individuals, as the mayor has said, if you come here and you're willing to work here and pay taxes, we'll sign you up. That's not the right message. We've got to enforce the law, welcoming legal Immigration but ending illegal Immigration." (Fox News, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Durham, NH, 9/5/2007)

• We must secure our border.
• Obama is wrong on immigration.

Mitt Romney Immigration Stance

1994

• "In 1994, when he tried to unseat Ted Kennedy, he ran against higher taxes and government-run health care, and for school choice, a balanced budget amendment, welfare reform, and "tougher measures to stop illegal immigration." He was no Rockefeller Republican even then."
• National Review - Romney for President

2002 

• "The Mitt Romney who hit the campaign trail in 2002...was now a media star - People magazine would soon name him one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World... He favored the death penalty and an initiative petition to replace bilingual education with English immersion; "
• The Boston Globe - Taking office, remaining an outsider
• In June 2002, Mitt Romney Said "The Approach Of English Immersion Is One That I Support. … I Would Make English Immersion The Educational Norm For All Non-Native English 

Speakers."  

• John McElhenny, "Mitt Romney Endorses 'English Immersion' Education Plan," The Associated Press, 6/4/02

2003

• 05-01-2003, ROMNEY VOWS TO PROTECT ENGLISH IMMERSION LAW
• “The voters have spoken loud and clear on the issue of bilingual education. We need to respect the wishes of the people of Massachusetts and recognize that immersion creates a level playing field in our classrooms that allows non-English speakers to succeed.”
• Governor Mitt Romney, 05-01-2003 Press Release
• Governor Romney Fought Efforts To Weaken Massachusetts' English Immersion Law.  "But yesterday, Romney press secretary Shawn Feddeman said the governor will fight all attempts to slow the implementation of English immersion, known on the ballot as Question 2. … 'He will veto anything that weakens or delays English immersion,' Feddeman said."
• Anand Vaishnav, "Romney Firm On English Timetable," The Boston Globe, 1/24/03
• Governor Romney Opposed Efforts To Give Driver's Licenses To Illegal Immigrants.  "'Those who are here illegally should not receive tacit support from our government that gives an indication of legitimacy,' the governor said, echoing arguments that opponents have voiced in the Commonwealth and in other states considering similar license measures. 'If they are here illegally, they should not get driver's licenses,' he said."  
• Scott S. Greenberger, "Romney Stand Dims Chances Of License For Undocumented," The Boston Globe, 10/28/03 

2004

• Romney vetoed a bill in 2004 that would have allowed illegal immigrants to obtain in-state tuition rates at state colleges if they graduated from a Massachusetts high school after attending it for at least three years and signed an affidavit affirming that they intended to seek citizenship. Romney vowed to veto the bill again if it ever made it to his desk, arguing that the bill would cost the state government $15 million and that the state should not reward illegal immigration.
• House defeats in-state tuition bill for undocumented immigrants 
• "Romney also rejected a proposal to allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities" (2004)
• The Boston Globe - Romney vetoes $108.5m in budget - June 26, 2004
• Governor Romney Vetoed In-State Tuition For Illegal Immigrants.  "Romney also vetoed a number of outside sections of the budget, including:…A plan that would have permitted illegal aliens to pay the same in-state tuition rate at our public colleges and universities as Massachusetts citizens."  
• Office Of The Governor, "Romney Signs $22.402B Fiscal Year 2005 'No New Tax' Budget," Press Release, 6/25/04 

2005

• 01-28-2005, ROMNEY EXPANDS ADULT BASIC EDUCATION FOR IMMIGRANTS 
• “For generations of immigrants, learning English has been the key to unlocking the American Dream. My proposal will give thousands more the opportunity to achieve success for themselves and their families.”
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-28-2005 Press Release

• "The current system puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders...and increase legal immigration into America."
• Governor Mitt Romney

2006

• 12-13-2006; GOVERNOR ROMNEY, ICE SIGN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT PACT; Agreement permits specially trained State Troopers to enforce federal immigration law 
• “The scope of our nation’s illegal immigration problem requires us to pursue and implement new solutions wherever possible. State troopers are highly trained professionals who are prepared to assist the federal government in apprehending immigration violators without disrupting their normal law enforcement routines.”
• Governor Mitt Romney, 12-13-2006 Press Release
• “Governor Mitt Romney has reached an agreement with federal authorities that allows the Massachusetts State Police to arrest immigrants who are in the state illegally, his spokesman said...
• “Under the deal, brokered after months of negotiations, troopers can detain people they determine are illegal immigrants during regular police duties, Fehrnstrom said...
• “In June, when Romney announced he was seeking the deal, he said it would give the State Police a way of "finding and detaining illegal aliens in the ordinary course of business." ”
• The Boston Globe - Troopers can arrest illegal immigrants in Romney deal - Dec 3, 2006
• Governor Romney:  "You've got to have a wall or fence or electronic surveillance. You have got to make sure we secure our border, that's first."
• Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor," 9/19/06
• "The current system puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically-enabled and tamper-proof documentation and employment-verification system, and increase legal immigration into America."
• David Yepsen, Op-Ed, "So Far, Romney's Been Most Impressive Republican," Des Moines Register, 7/11/06
• "I don't believe in amnesty."  
• "Romney Supports Immigration Program, But Not Granting 'Amnesty,'" Lowell [MA] Sun, 3/30/06)
• "Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary Julie L. Myers today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ICE, which will give specially trained Massachusetts State Troopers the authority to administer and enforce federal immigration laws in the Commonwealth. "
• Office Of The Governor, "Governor Romney, ICE Sign Immigration Enforcement Pact," Press Release, 12/13/06) 

2007

• "McCain-Kennedy isn't the answer. As governor, I took a very different approach. I authorized our state police to enforce immigration laws. I vetoed a tuition break for illegals and said no to driver's licenses. McCain-Kennedy gives benefits to illegals that would cost taxpayers millions. And more importantly, amnesty didn't work 20 years ago, and it won't work today."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 02-02-2007 CPAC Address
• "He instituted English immersion in the public schools and abolished the old bilingual education system."
• Boston Globe - Romney is the kind of leader we need - Dec 14, 2007
• Governor Romney:  "In my view, there are several principles that need to be part of our immigration plan.  First, to secure the border…"  
• Governor Mitt Romney, Interview On The Northern Alliance Radio Network, 1/27/07
• "McCain-Kennedy Isn't The Answer."  "Another aspect of American sovereignty is the security of our borders. The current system is a virtual concrete wall against those who have skill and education, but it's a wide-open walk across the border for those that have neither.  McCain-Kennedy isn't the answer. As governor, I took a very different approach. I authorized our state police to enforce federal immigration laws."  
• Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Conservative Political Action Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/2/07
• Governor Romney:  "First, to secure the border, number two, have an employment verification system.  This would be a card – a biometric card – that people who are not citizens would have and before an employer hires a non citizen they would have to look at the card, type in a number on a computer, and get verification from the federal government that this person is eligible for work in the U.S.  If they hired someone not so eligible that company would be fined just like not paying taxes."  
• Governor Mitt Romney, Interview On The Northern Alliance Radio Network, 1/27/07
• "Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said Tuesday that more state and local police agencies ought to consider making deals with the federal government to have their officers trained in enforcing elements of federal immigration law. … 'I think it's a good idea for us to communicate that we intend to enforce our laws,' Romney said."  (Jacques Billeaud, "
• Romney: More State, Local Police Should Get Immigration Training," The Associated Press, 3/13/07)

Illegal Immigration

An enthusiastic supporter of legal immigration, Mr. Romney not only opposes illegal immigration, but he told National Review that he is also "against an amnesty and against anything that provides an incentive for people to come here illegally." - http://washtimes.com/op-ed/20060314-095241-8553r.htm

• "Immigration has been an important part of our nation’s success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.
• Governor Mitt Romney's PAC

Also see:

• amnesty

External Links

America should reform our immigration laws

Reasons to agree

1. A country requires borders to maintain sovereignty (Scores: Truth, Relevance, Importance)
• Truth Score: High (well-verified in political and sociological literature).
• Relevance Score: High (clear linkage to the importance of immigration laws).
• Importance Score: Medium (pertains to the broader question of national identity).
2. We should prioritize high-skill immigration to boost innovation without harming lower and middle-class wages.
• Truth Score: High (supported by economic studies showing skilled immigrants contribute to innovation).
• Relevance Score: Medium (focused on economic, not social, impacts).
• Importance Score: High (key to balancing economic growth and protecting domestic workers).
3. Immigration could be a better alternative to outsourcing by keeping jobs and production local.
• Truth Score: Medium (dependent on labor policies).
• Relevance Score: Medium (impacts the economy and affordability).
• Importance Score: Medium (focuses on economic strategy over social integration).

Reasons to disagree

1. Reform from Trump and Musk, billionares who have embraced layoffs and outsourcing, will be worse for American than doing nothing. 
2. Reforms could exacerbate divisions and economic inequality if poorly implemented. 

Interests of those with Americans regarding immigration

1. National sovereignty and identity.
2. Economic growth through skilled labor.
3. Protecting domestic workers from wage suppression.
4. Resolving the legal status of millions of people who are here.  
5. Preventing corporate exploitation of immigration reforms.
6. Protecting existing social safety nets and economic equality.
7. Avoiding unnecessary cultural or political conflict.

Shared Interests between both sides:

1. Economic stability and growth.
2. Fair treatment of immigrants.
3. Maintaining political and social cohesion.

Opposing Interest that must be balanced:

1. Economic growth vs. protecting domestic labor markets.
2. Inclusion and fairness vs. managing immigration levels for social cohesion.

Underlying Issues and Root Causes

1. Economic inequality and wage stagnation.
2. Lack of consensus on immigration’s role in cultural and political identity.
3. Global labor market pressures driving demand for reforms.

The Best Objective Criteria for making Immigration Decision

1. Lower and middle class wages.
2. Lower and middle class collective barganining power.
3. Overall GDP, so that we can compete with India and China in the long run. 
4. The degree to which the less powerful are freaking out. Reasons to agree:
1. We can't expect the uneducated in American to be happy about competing against the world's very lowest wage earners. The elite within a nation should not prioritize the poor who are overseas more than the poor within their home nation. Morally suffering everyone might be the primary concerns. However, we share a common history, and wars and revolutions teach us that the poor can revolt, and that those within similar geographic regions must remember that they share a common destiny.
2. Pros: Acknowledging and addressing the concerns of the less powerful or less educated segments of society can prevent social unrest and maintain social cohesion. Ensuring that immigration policies do not disproportionately harm these groups might involve education, job training, and integration programs.
3. Cons: If policy is too reactive to fears rather than based on data or long-term strategy, it might lead to overly restrictive immigration laws that could hinder economic and cultural growth. Moreover, scapegoating immigrants for economic issues can lead to xenophobia and social division. 

Best Solutions:

1. Not brining a bunch of people to America that lower middle and lower class wages. If we need more people in America, we should bring in more CEOs and geniouses to compete against our existing elite. 
2. To support cohesion and integration, favoring those who speak English and don't make conservatives as mad. Bring in just enough people, so liberals can still win elections. Don't bring in so many low wage needy immigrants that even liberal places like New York turn against you. 
3. Prioritize skilled immigration while safeguarding domestic labor.
• Cost/Benefit Ratio: High benefit, moderate cost (policy enforcement).
• Likelihood of Meeting Interests: High (aligns with economic and social goals).

4. Introduce quotas favoring sectors facing labor shortages.

• Cost/Benefit Ratio: Medium benefit, low cost (focuses resources where needed).
• Likelihood of Acceptance: Moderate (requires stakeholder buy-in).

5. Strengthen labor rights for immigrants and domestic workers alike.

• Cost/Benefit Ratio: High benefit, high cost (administrative and enforcement costs).
• Likelihood of Acceptance: Moderate (potential resistance from employers).

Alternative Ways of Saying the Same Thing

1. "Reform immigration to enhance national sovereignty and economic competitiveness."
2. "Reframe immigration as a tool for innovation and stability."
3. "Restructure immigration laws to align with domestic labor needs."

Most Likely & Significant Benefits

1. Increased innovation and economic growth from skilled immigrants.
2. Enhanced global competitiveness.
3. Better protection for domestic wages and labor markets.

Most Likely & Significant Costs

1. Administrative costs of reform implementation.
2. Risk of corporate exploitation of reforms.
3. Social and political backlash if reforms are seen as unfair.

Supporting Media

• Books: The Next American Economy by Samuel Gregg.
• Movies: The Visitor (2007) – explores immigration and identity.
• Podcasts: Immigration Policy Center Podcast.

Key Obstacles Between Parties Preventing Resolution

1. Mistrust between proponents of economic liberalization and worker protection advocates.
2. Polarized political narratives on immigration.
3. Lack of transparency and clarity in reform proposals.

Strategies to Encourage Cost-Benefit Analysis and Conflict Resolution

1. Use objective criteria like wage impact and GDP growth to guide discussions.
2. Promote transparency and public engagement in reform development.
3. Create pilot programs to test reforms before nationwide implementation.