http://www.tmnews.com/articles/2005/12/ ... nion86.txt

Immigration system failing U.S.


By Times-Mail Editorial Board, tmnews@tmnews.com
Friday, December 9, 2005 11:16 AM CST

America's immigration system does not work.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And while many politicians have been content to look the other way while foreigners stream across the borders, the issue figures to shift to the forefront as the 2008 presidential election approaches.

Foreigners, seeking a more comfortable, lucrative lifestyle, are crossing the borders - legally and illegally - to seek jobs in the food-service industry, on farms, in hotels, and at construction sites.

While many employers welcome the inexpensive labor, concerned citizens in border states insist the influx of illegal immigrants poses a serious threat to their communities and to our nation.

Since current U.S. immigration regulations are not vigorously enforced, illegal aliens know they can work and thrive here as long as they keep a low profile and stay out of trouble.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Thursday that 1,700 new U.S. Border Patrol agents will be assigned in an effort to secure the Southwest border.

But that won't begin to solve the problem.

The largest share of illegal immigrants enter the U.S. by air, sea and the Canadian border.

Hillary Clinton, the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination, raised some eyebrows when she took a strong stance on securing the borders.

“This is not a problem that people coming into the country are solely responsible for,� she explained. “They wouldn't be coming if we didn't put them to work.

“Clearly, we have to make some tough decisions. One of them ought to be coming up with a much better entry and exit system. If we're going to let people in for the work that otherwise would not be done, let's have a system that keeps track of them.�

Clinton has gone as far as suggesting an ID system.

Senators John McCain and Edward Kennedy have proposed a guest-worker program. Foreign laborers, initially capped at 400,000 a year, would receive a three-year visa, renewable one time. They can apply for permanent residency after four years.

Many variations of that model will be proposed and debated in upcoming months.

However, at some point, space and quality-of-life issues must be addressed.

Our leaders can't continue to simply look the other way.

We think: It is time for the United States to address the immigration issue.