Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

I'm a bit late to the party, but I'll throw in my two cents. My proposed system is one in which everyone lines up, gets checked against databases of wanted criminals and known terrorists, and once we find they're not on the list they get a green card, a social security number, and can start working, paying taxes, and getting the same benefits as everyone else. If they're here illegally, they can have 3 months to get everything in order and get in line with everyone else. The only restriction is how quickly the paperwork can be processed. If you're caught being here illegally under such a liberal system, you're out for a few years. If you're caught again, you're out for good.