There really is a very simple solution to the illegal immigration problem in this country. It is a multi-step process that can be accomplished in four to six months.

The process begins with a new constitutional amendment. A simple constitutional amendment could be introduced in both houses of Congress and be passed out for ratification by the states in as little as 30 days. Once the amendment goes out to be ratified then the implementing laws required for the rest of the package could be voted out of Congress with the proviso that it does not become effective unless the amendment is ratified.

The amendment consists of two simple statements:

1) No person who shall have entered the U.S. illegally shall be granted citizenship unless that individual has been granted political immunity.
2) No person born in this country shall become a citizen by birth unless at least one parent at the time of birth shall be a legal resident or U.S. citizen.

I personally believe between 80 and 90% of the citizens of this country would immediately agree to this amendment and with that much pressure on governors and state houses the amendment should be ratified by enough states within 90 days of being submitted to the states.

During the time that the amendment is being ratified Congress can pass legislation that would secure our borders to the maximum level possible allowing us to have increased security and safety while reducing the illegal entity of persons, drugs, and contraband to the lowest level possible.

Legislation could be put in place that would provide a path to citizenship for those that have been in this country for more than five years, could pass a rigorous background check, and provide documentation that they have been contributing members of this country for at least five years.

Legislation could be put in place that would create an enforceable guest worker program. Personally, I would not be opposed to even the inclusion of a citizenship track for those that work here for periods of five years or more but that's something that could be hammered out.

Lastly, legislation could be put in place that would increase penalties for employers that hire individuals that are in this country illegally. Personally, I would like to see something like a $10,000 per illegal hire fine for a first offense and a $250,000 fine and five years for a second offense.

As you can see every major aspect of illegal immigration is addressed in this plan. Those industries that would complain that they would need the labor pool would have it in the form of the guest worker program which could be created to not only include those from south of our southern border but workers from others parts of the world as well. The major enticers would be removed reducing the draw for people to attempt to entry illegally plus increased border security would reduce it even further.

The issue of anchor babies goes away permanently taking away the incentive for illegals to come here to have babies.

It really is a solution in a nut shell.