Moreover, these states also suffer the greatest casualties from gangs, drug trafficking and human trafficking.  If it’s this easy for thugs to illegally cross the border undetected how much more is it for terrorists who plan for years their strategies?

We must deal swiftly and resolutely with the border issue for our security and economic survival.  However we also need to figure out what to do with those illegal immigrants who have come here just to work and have been here for many years.  Many of them have raised families, which adds to the economic burden but must be acknowledged.

The crime of illegally immigrating to the United States must be punished, and it can be done in a humane way using common sense and justice.  Here’s my simple idea:

1. If you’ve been here for less than 10 years with no criminal history you get deported with an option to return legally.

2. If you have been convicted of any felony you get deported and refused re-entry permanently.

3. If you’ve been here for longer than 10 years with no criminal history you are given temporary transitional visas under the following guidelines:

• You must acquire legal residency within 5 years
• You’re wages are garnished for back taxes of $4,000 per year, split evenly between the state and federal government (that would be equivalent to what they would have paid in federal taxes if they earned about $27,000 annually)
• Any felony conviction results in immediate deportation with permanently refused re-entry

I’m sure this plan is not perfect, but let’s bring some sanity to this problem and solve it!