Immigration and Customs Enforcement is launching an audit of I-9 forms. Employers are required to have these forms for new employees. The goal of the form is for an employer to get enough information about a new hire to confirm they are eligible to work in the US. I find myself in the unusual position of supporting something that comes out of the Obama administration. The business community needs to be held accountable for hiring illegals. This one act is not the complete answer but it is a step in the right direction. The debate over immigration reform has quieted since the election. That is probably a good thing. It had become ugly and off topic. I don't claim to have all the answers but I do have some basic ideas.

First, I think it is common sense that we need to know who is in this country. The risks of terrorism and crime are to great to dismiss. A guest worker program must be put together. these guest workers need an id card. These workers need to pay income taxes on their earnings. I don believe they should pay social security or medicare taxes. I also do not think they should be eligible for the benefits. The employer should pay their normal share and it should be used to help pay benefits to citizens. this exempts the guest workers from paying for something they do not qualify for. However, the employer pays the share they normally would.

Second, we must have secure borders.I think this is a common sense issue. That includes our border with Canada and the coasts. Secure borders is not a racial issue. It is a matter of national security. We need the funding for the coast guard and the border patrol to help keep us safe. This will help with the flow of drugs and other illegal items into the country also.

Finally, there must be punishment for businesses that continue to hire illegals. The laws are there but they are not enforced. Fines and imprisonment are current punishments available to be used on those that hire illegals. However, they are rarely enforced. It is time for an organized effort to enforce the law.

I think it is great that people still want to come to America and seek a better life. It makes me proud that our nation is still the one people come to when they want a better life. But, it must be done legally. What I have proposed is a basic framework. It is not a great revelation that will shake the world. I just see it as a simple start that should not be a problem for anyone. It gives those that want to come here the opportunity. It also places responsibility on businesses to follow the rules. The problem will not be solved by a massive piece of legislation. Maybe we should take a few simple steps and go from there.