re: Why are you where you are on immigration

I am one of those super-globalist chamber of commerce types you often hear tale of, so I don't think your post is directed at me. That said:

- I think immigration is a net positive for the country.
- It increases productivity by both lowering labor costs and getting hard workers and just in general removing barriers to the free flow of labor (aka government intervention in the marketplace)
- I would rather immigrants come here then companies open up shop in other countries (off shoring).
- The legal immigration system is broken. It is designed to let people in to fill jobs while simultaneously protecting american jobs. It is trying to square a circle.

OTOH
-Because the system was broken we let a whole bunch of people stay here illegally. That is just dumb.
-Birthright citizenship is also dumb. That needs to be fixed.

So I would be OK with about 80-90% of the immigrants we have know, but make them legal. They would need a background check, health check, ability to master as least a few basic English phrases, and either a job or ability to demonstrate self-sufficiency. And no welfare for X years (and by welfare I mean TANF, foodstamps, EITC, and other direct aid. I don't count costs to local schools and other use of services). I mean X years because at some point after working and paying taxes they earn the right to it. I am thinking 10 years.

And if you are already here, some sort of additional penalty tax/fee (assuming you meet the health, crime requirements, etc) and you can stay.

TLDR;

I like immigrants, just want a way to make most of them legal (aka amnesty aka "shamnesty").