6degrees AstroBlog

Suggestion on Immigration Reform

By Irwin Horowitz, 7-06-07

As I sit in the guest room at my parent’s apartment in Palm Beach, recovering from surgery on my right hand for carpal tunnel syndrome, I am afforded time to think about some of the issues currently plaguing our nation.  In particular, immigration reform has been a hot-button topic with both sides passionately arguing their respective positions with little hope for a compromise.  Also, President Bush’s commutation of the prison sentence for Scooter Libby has dominated the airways as we have been celebrating our nation’s birthday.

Taking a page from the president’s constitutional playbook, I would like to offer a suggestion on how to resolve the immigration dilemma.  President Bush can issue a pardon to all undocumented workers who sole “crime” is entering and residing in our country without the proper paperwork.

This solution has the advantage of being completely legal and removes from consideration in the debate the issue of the alleged criminality of the mere presence of undocumented aliens in our country.  Like it or not, the President’s recent action regarding his buddy Scooter was entirely within the framework of the law (even if it was politically motivated).  If he were to issue a pardon to the millions who work crappy jobs for lousy wages so they could move on with their lives without the threat of deportation, it would be just as legal.

So, I would like to proffer this suggestion for consideration and debate.  Please understand that while I’m recuperating, it will be difficult for me to directly participate on a regular basis.

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