A Libertarian Solution to Illegal Immigration

BY ALTON YEE

Immigration, legal or otherwise, is a controversial and divisive problem. Most politicians, both Democrat and Republican, propose draconian solutions to stop or vastly curtail it and even deport millions of people. There is one solution, a libertarian one, that is both humane and practical and most important, it returns dignity to the United States.

Mark Glogowski, the current Chair of the Libertarian Party of New York, proposed this solution in Chapter 21, of his book, The Political Primer: Fundamentals of Politics.

The following, in four steps, is a condensed version of his proposal:

  • Step One: Stop calling these people “immigrants” and especially stop calling them “illegal.” Instead, since these people are foreigners who are passing through and reside in other countries or have a legal right to live there, we must see them for what they are: Visitors and Guests, or Tourists, who we must welcome by giving them Tourist Visas.  This leads to:
  • Step Two: Open the borders to anyone who wants to enter as a tourist. But they must show evidence they can support themselves and their families during their intended stay. After they “show us the money,” this leads to:
  • Step Three: They must put up the money for a one-way fare home for themselves and for all their family members. (Of course they’ll get their money back when they leave the U.S.) Only then will they be given tourist visas. This can lead, if they choose, to:
  • Step Four: With their tourist visas, these tourists will be allowed to look for a job. Should they find one, they can bring evidence to any immigration office and arrange to extend their stay, Then, after they’ve stayed for a period, they will be given the right to apply for citizenship.

Please note:

  1. Since these people are tourists, they will be given no welfare benefits, nor will they be allowed to send their kids to public schools, nor will they be allowed to vote.
  2. They will not be issued State drivers’ licenses. They should already have international drivers’ licenses. If they don’t have one, then they must go home to get one.
  3. They will be provided with emergency medical care, but once they’re stabilized, they must return home should they require more care. But if they like, they could stay and receive further care, provided they pay for it.
  4. People who are currently considered “illegal immigrants” should be given Tourist Visas, provided they meet the financial requirements of Steps Two and Three. This is not an amnesty program. Rather, it’s a way for these people to “reset” their legal presence in this country, in a humane and dignified manner.

To see and buy Dr Glogowski’s book, go to: http://www.prweb.com/releases/markeglogowskiphd/10/prweb11272452.htm


Alton Yee is a Libertarian Party activist and a past Chair of the Brooklyn Libertarian Party.

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