-By Vince Johnson
Advice to the candidate for President that I would vote for:
On a regular basis, you should hold a “Clarification Conference” to clear up any confusion regarding your previous statements.
Your sudden departure from the confusion generated by Presidential Debates needs further comment. You openly admit it was a planned strategy designed to focus attention upon where you stand on key issues. Your stand on the debates can be defined in one sentence: The qualifications to be President should not be judged on brief orations controlled by a moderator asking questions approved by staff members for each candidate.
Next you clarify your position on immigration. The Mexican border must be sealed off using wide water along as much of the Rio Grande as feasible and placement of well trained security teams and high tech surveillance methods along the entire border.
You then reveal that your idea about inviting Mexico to become our 51st state has a subtle purpose. At first, nobody will take the idea seriously. But Mexico has oil reserves of considerable value and beautiful coastal properties having great potential for world-class resorts and retirement villas. Their extended growing season and agricultural resources are exceptional. These natural assets afford exceptional growth opportunities that are no longer available in the United States.
It is not likely the citizens of Mexico would be allowed to have such a vote, but the extensive media coverage should encourage their government to develop ways to improve their people’s quality of life. This would make it more rewarding to stay at home than to migrate to the U.S. This is not the case at the moment, and one way to bring this attitude into the equation, is to invite Mexico to join the Union.
Put major emphasis on the fact that both sides are at fault. The U.S. did not enforce established immigration laws for over sixty years. The immigrants violated the law by entering the U.S. and remaining here. Both sides have a responsibility to agree to a solution of mutual benefit. The solution I favor is stated below:
- The immigrants have three years to learn English and pass a citizenship test.
- The U.S. will provide facilities to teach immigrants English and how to pass the test.
- Those immigrants who pass become citizens and are allowed to remain.
- Those who don’t pass have two choices: a) Confinement in a detention center where they remain until
they pass the test. b) Return to their homeland immediately.
It would also be necessary to conduct a comprehensive “Immigration Census” for the purpose of determining the scope, range, and intensity of the immigration problem. (The problem is huge in some areas and minor in others. This census is necessary to prioritize the entire process.)
You will not consider deportation of 20 million individuals. Such a task is beyond our means. Cite the seven-man SWAT team armed with automatic rifles required to apprehend one terrified 8 year old boy and deport him to Cuba. If 20 million adults would voluntarily return, you could approve. Forced deportation is impossible.
Sum it up as briefly as possible:
- The border must be sealed and secure.
- No more immigrants until the scope of the problem is well defined.
- Find ways to encourage the Mexican government to help their citizens have a life that is as good or
better in their homeland than it would be by becoming an illegal immigrant in the U.S.
Help immigrants learn English and pass the citizenship test. - Detain those who fail the test until they pass, or require them to return to their homeland.
That’s it! Next conference will cover an item all other candidates refuse to discuss. Hope to see you there.
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Vince Johnson welcomes comments. Please send them to,Vince Johnson(vjadtrak@wvi.com)
See Vince in the new book Americans on Politics. Policy, and Pop-Culture.