Illegal immigration is estimated at roughly 3.6 million violations annually in the US. This fact of life costs our government an excess $30 billion every year. This includes healthcare, social services, education, and security. And, short of sales tax, illegal immigrants pay none of this expense. \nTo help alleviate this problem, I propose allowing those same illegal immigrants the right to a driver license. In this way, substantial income can be generated simply from the process of obtaing the license. A fifty dollar fee, required upon request of the license, would theoretically easily raise half a billion dollars within a few years. Furthermore, the tax income collected from gas purchases and car maintenances could also be substantial. \nBy allowing illegal immigrants driver licenses, these people could become fully functional economic members of this society. They could begin driving, thus gaining
123850
I agree, we are already collecting taxes from them, and the problem has been getting worst & worst. We should look for the benefits we would be getting & look at thigs from the positive side, besides we don't want more enemies, if you think about it it would be much easier for terrorists to use Mexico to get to the US.
664275
Yeah the illegals are part of the problem because they are stealing all of our resources. They are breaking the law to be here and this country rewards them. The rights that are suppose to be enjoyed by citizens and those here legally and being given freely to the illegals which is completely wrong. They should not be entitled to welfare, medical assistance, access to public schools, etc. Law enforcement is very hesitant to do anything about it as well as INS and other government agencies. The laws on the books need to be enforced and these people need to be deported. Let's put armed US troops on the borders and keep them out. Additional, this would also help to deter the drug problem coming across the border as well. If anyone is here illegally and don't like what I am saying, well tough luck. This is my country. I am a citizen. You are breaking the law to be here and have no say in anything. If you want to stay here then enter the country legally.
311499
Immigration is GREAT !!! When legally done..it's what makes America what it is...however, illegal immigration MUST be stopped...it's like a 2nd Welfare system draining our pockets....if you wanna come here ..you have to pay the freight...not me, or other Americans who are already paying MORE than our share. It's basically Freeloading...you come here for all the perks...and leave without paying taxes. Many get free healthcare..and other benefits that Amercan citizens who work can't afford. If you wanna come here...learn the language...and do it the right way.
606772
I just want to clarify this issue with you. Congress has been considering a program which would give illegal immigrants an 11-year probationary period to gain citizenship and other stuff like learn English. If they fail during those eleven years, they will be deported. End of story. Upon reading a news article, it mentioned that this would be the hardest road to take to gain citizenship (I think it's called the guest worker program).\n\nHowever, I agree with you that illegal immigrants should be behind the "line" as you call it; considering legals should and have a higher status in our society.\n\nAlso take this into account: it is IMPOSSIBLE to deport every single illegal immigrant out of this country (by the way, there are about 12 million illegals not 20 million).\n\nOh, and to the person who posted after me [sashie], if you have been keeping up with the news--in about MAY (like a whole month ago!) the Senate passed a bill that would begin the construction of a 370 mile wall around the US-Mexican border, also adding 500 miles of vehicle barriers. Not only that, but previous to the bill President George Bush put the National Guard on the border. So the government is actually doing lots of stuff to protect the border now...
569275
Deporting, I would guess $50-75 per person.  I have a better idea, fine businesses exorbitant amounts for having undocumented workers.  $200,000 first offense, $500,000 second offense, $1 million third and so on.  This will eliminate business that employ illegal immigrants.  No jobs for illegal in America= no illegal aliens in America.
424274
ILLEGALS PAY TAXES and this is why there are so many.  It is impossible to become legal....it is called oppression in my book.  To become legal at least for the Mexicans.....They have to apply and wait at least 15 years for a denial or acceptance.  Lets use an analogy..  My child graduated high school at 18 years old....then has to wait 15 years to be gainfully employed....that means he will be 33 years old before he is able to become employed....what sense does that make....in the meantime what does he do to support himself?  Here are my thoughts on why this situation is as it is and will continue to stay as so:\n\nI don't wish to offend you but I do wish to inform you..... There is no TAX Free money in regards to the majority of the illegals.... unless they work in cash paying jobs ... like construction for example... Lots of people hide in the construction business for that very reason..... illegals are just working in construction. We have American dead beat dads who work in it too so they get easy money under the table as we call it so as not to pay child support. Most industries pay with payroll checks. If an illegal works in an industry that does pay with payroll checks then the appropriate federal and state taxes are removed. I recently did a spot check on payroll checks from the main industry in my town from 4 different illegal pay stubs..... 2 from poultry and 2 from restaurants. I did an estimate based on those 4 pay stubs in regards to the shifts worked at each one of those industries. I had an estimate of State taxes paid in to my state of $64,000.00. I did not figure up the Federal Taxes but you best believe that they have been raking it in also. Please keep in mind that the county that I live in is not ranked among the largest in my state. I would love to be able to do a State wide survey, but the problem is getting people to trust you not to use their information against them. You may be surprised to also be informed that at least 2 of these people had health insurance for which they paid for & utilized, they also had an additional voluntary $5.00 taken out each week as a donation for United Way Fund. I did no guesstimates on those donations, but just these 2 people alone donate a solid figure of $520.00 @ year which has to be noted as community service. IT WAS A REAL EYE OPENER TO ME. Please understand that the illegal does not file federal income taxes.... he does fall in a low income category and would be eligible to receive most of his tax money paid in as refunds... now do you really think that our government wants to make them legal so they have to give that money back ..... NO, of course not. The fence is going to be a joke. Who cares build the fence. The American public has clamored that they wish for this atrocity to be built. Then once all those billions of dollars are sunk into the building of this shameful wall......there will be no money for mass deportations...You seed this is why the government is building this wall... We all know that it will not serve the purpose for which it is built....They didn't even build a levy that could protect New Orleans..... the illegals crossing are just as unpredictable.....Build the fence so they will be able to say later well we don't have the money now for deportations.......Also you will see discounts on ladders on the other side of the border. You just need a ladder to safely scale the wall without a scratch. .THE POLITICIANS DO NOT WANT TO SEND THE ILLEGAL BACK
212468
The reason is that, they are considering both sides of the coin. Ilegal aliens work in restaurants (cooking, washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, etc, for low wages). The truth is that employers don't want to hire U.S. Citizens because U.S. Citizens want more money. So, let's say that they hire U.S. Citizens for 50% more in they paycheck than Ilegal aliens. Than increase would be reflected in the price of the goods or services. Can you imagine drivers,cooks,construction laborers, janitors, plumbers etc?\nWe complain about the problem, but we don't want high prices on most products and services.\nThe politicians are evaluting the problem, but most likely they have to come with some kind of guest worker program, to help businesses succeed and not fail.\nOtherwise who is going to do those jobs for minimum wages?\nAnother thing is Taxes. Ilegals pay taxes for groceries, gasoline, insurance, utility bills, licence plates, etc.\nCan you imagine how much money those people generate to most States?. Believe or not Millions of dollars that help the economy of the United States.\nWe definitely want that problem solved without a high price.
257128
What part of "Illegal" don't you people understand?\n\nIllegal = in violation of our laws.\n\nGiving them amnesty would be like rewarding them for breaking our laws and rewarding them more so for breaking our laws even longer.\n\nSince when does that make sense?\n\nUsing that logic if I was DUI for 5 years, would that make it legal for me to drive under the influence of alcohol from then on? Of course not!\n\nTrust me, I want them here, but I want them to pay taxes and help support our country.\n\nYou have retirees nowadays wondering if they will have their Social Security check at the end of each month and if they do get it if it will be lower than the previous month, then we have a million people marching for illegal immigrants who don't support our government by paying their taxes?! That's crap!!\n\nBefore anyone says anything I am NOT a racist, I have nothing against Hispanics of any kind I just want them to come into our country through the correct corridors.\n\nWhat they should be protesting is their own damn government back in Mexico that makes it so hard for them to make ends-meet instead of complaining about our own government that's pretty much giving them a free ride.
295406
In today's society, money drives everything else, including moral values, which is why ALOT of business owners (especially if their business is not doing so good) would turn their backs and hire illegal immigrants to reduce costs. \n\nEven though this is highly unethical from one point of view, they will make an excuse for themselves: "These people have nothing better and I am helping them and their families by giving them work."  And so, they will have less of a problem with the ethical side of the issue, which is why they're prone to accept hiring illegal immigrants.\n\nTo answer the rest of your question, If I were in a businessman's place, I would probably try to keep my business running legally. If it has problems, it is not 2$/hour that will turn it into a profitable business. If it's being ran into the ground, there are much bigger problems with the administration of the company than just salaries.\n\nAnd if I were the immigrant, well I don't have much of a choice. I cannot collect welfare from the government, I cannot pay for medical bills, I cannot get a legal job, and I need to eat. If I came to this country, it's because unfortunately I had no chance for a future in Mexico. And thus, I am forced to work for whatever wage is offered, because anything is better than nothing when you're trying to eat.\n\nThere's too many people and issues at fault to blame it on just one. There's the way the government is handling the problem, there's the way our society changed and is ready to stomp over moral values and human lives to gain financial wealth, even the way the businessman's mother raised him could have something to do with his choice between hiring or not hiring an illegal immigrant. There is no clear answer or solution to this, it has been a problem for far too long a time and cannot be solved rapidly.
268009
Great Idea!  In addition to that, in regards to education, they, and their children cannot attend a public school for free.  They must pay a tuition fee, yes, even for a public school since they entirely don't meet the "residency" status.  No free lunch or breakfast for them and as far as "after school program" they may not participate.  If they wish to participate, they must pay an enrollment fee, monthly fee, etc.  Those programs are provided by taxpayers, and the people who voted to increase the school budget wanted to help the LEGAL children, not the ILLEGAL children.  Americans can't afford it.  Look at it this way, if I were to attend a University at a different State where I live, I'm sure I am expected to pay extra since I don't meet the "residency" status they required. Same logic.\n\nbtw,\n\nIf you're against illegal immigration, please click on the link below. United we stand, together we'll defeat and deport the illegals!!\n\nhttp://www.illegalimmigrantprotest.com
562682
Now I totally agree with you...almost. Yes Mexicans make up 70% of the illegal "immigrant" population, but most of those I have been in contact with are good and courteous drivers. One HUGE problem is that they are nonchalant about rules...including drinking and driving. They don't take rules seriously, that is where there is a problem. But I must say that the people I see (and I've seen a lot) who are involved in hit-and-run accidents are of the Armenian population...But that's just because of the area of California I live in...it's not fair to say that Armenians are responsible for insurance costs going up...just like it's not fair for you to point out that Mexicans are responsible for it.
174818
You do make some interesting suggestions. The problem I have is rewarding lawbreakers. I always learned growing up that there would be no rewards for me if I broke the rules. Why don't other people understand these principles, let alone live by them. I agree 100% that Western Union and other businesses of that sort should have a 10% tax. FABULOUS IDEA! Why don't you run for congress? If you're from my area, I'll vote for you. Someone else suggested billing Mexico for any services their  citizens receive...how would you enforce that? It would never happen...how about if every year with our tax return, we get a voucher from the Mexican government for a free two week all expenses paid vacation in Cabo! Not too realistic is it? The true problem here is that IF "our" government wanted to have no illegal immigration, we would have none. This whole Immigration Reform Bill fiasco is B.S. We already have laws that are not even enforced that deal with this problem. And IF they did pass one of the bills currently being discussed, they wouldn't enforce it anyway. So, all of this fighting and marching is all for NOTHING!
132911
A\n\nThe key word is "Illegal". It is not fair to the immigrants that enter this country legally to allow them to stay, nor is it fair to ALL the people born in this country or who have become citizens of this country, for illegal immigrants to be allowed to stay. We (citizens) all pay taxes and our money stays in this country to help make this country great and to keep it going. I realize they want a better life, but starting it out doing something "Illegal" is NOT the answer. They need to go back and then take the legal steps necessary to enter this country legally. \n\n@--->---
199659
If you were an illegal immigrant (criminal), a terrorist, or an incarcerated criminal, the government would most likely pay for it.  Unfortunately the government has no use for non-leaches on society.  If i win the lotto any time soon I will pay for it.
662221
I think it should be treated just like beer and unfortified wine are (in the US).  Taxed, sure. Age-restricted. Available through retail stores (not ABC/state stores).  Available in bars/pubs/etc. And, just like beer and wine, individuals should be allowed to produce up to a certain amount at home annually.  DWI laws already cover driving offenses.\n\nOh, and revenues would roll in from production and sales. Some depressed economies would turn around and become boom economies.  Tax revenues would be enormous.  PLUS!!!  We'd save billions on police, courts and jails by not arresting and jailing people for pot!!!!!!!!!
320514
i think immigration is great for our country, but the problem with ILLEGAL immigrants is that they don't pay taxes, but still use public services. that really sucks. as far as im concerned, if they really wanted to be here they would\n1.apply for citizenship\n2.learn our language\n3.become a part of society\nand for all you people who think everyone is just pissed at the mexicans, i don't like illegal aliens from ANY country. immigrants from every country are overstaying their visas, people just tend to focus more on the mexicans because there are more of them than others
89587
If I remember correctly from an episode of Lou Dobbs on CNN - in EXCESS OF 30 BILLION Dollars per year!  That's scary!\n\nGoy1012002/Stupidity_of_pride:  Why do you believe that using a fake Soc Sec number and being an illegal, gives you the RIGHT to the same benefits that LEGAL Citizens (Immigrants or not)?  If people would come in the right way, pay taxes with their 'real number', then most all I know would have NO PROBLEM with you or anyone else getting services that 'any othe tax payer would get'.  When you are not paying taxes LEGALLY because you are an Illegal...... you kinda missed the point.  You are entitled to services when you become an American Citizen, not before and not until, I don't care how many taxes you have paid, you aren't documented.  End of story!