comity of errors

senators of both parties showed cloying courtesy to their opposite numbers during the immigration debate. most gops still voted against the bill, but it passed easily.

even if it miraculously gets merged with the house bill (which makes illegal immigration a felony), i don't know why anybody thinks it'll work.

why would folk turn themselves in if they have to pay thousands? do we seriously believe they want citizenship so much they could scrape the money together? who would come here without following official procedures if they cared about naturalization? i'm sure many changed their minds over time, but does that justify showing arbitrary preference to those who've been here longer?

if we really want folk to come forward and get documents, we need a practical solution:

• all they should have to do is report to the nearest port of entry, fill out forms, and pay a reasonable processing fee;

• make no distinctions other than weeding out criminals via background checks;

• no one should get credit toward citizenship—official residence starts when they sign in [that's penalty enough for those that want to be citizens];

• find out where they work and follow up to make sure employers withhold payroll taxes and pay minimum wage;

• raise the minimum wage!

there's little need for punitive measures. if we motivate folk to behave properly, we'll get far more effective results than threats of fines or deportation could possibly produce.

the trouble is, much of the electorate suffers from a phobia of immigrants. we keep hearing radio and tv callers say we're getting "invaded" or they're "criminals" and demand draconian solutions.

i don't have much hope politicians have the moral strength to follow common sense rather than pander to our worst fears.