New Reagan-style amnesty needed

I believe in deporting undocumented immigrants found guilty of violent crimes. I also believe the United States is wasting a lot of money trying to mass deport an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.

The Reagan administration was able to pass the Immigration Reform and Control Act in 1986. Approximately 3 million undocumented immigrants were able to become American citizens. There were requirements to be met before becoming a citizen.

I believe there should be a new amnesty, or legalization, as it was sometimes referenced. These requirements could include that the person lived in the United States a minimum amount of years. The person could not have a felony criminal record. A certain fee or fine would be paid to the government. The person would have to pass the citizenship test. Other requirements could also be included.

I can understand that people who took a lawful route to citizenship might be upset with an amnesty. We have a president who has called undocumented immigrants many different vile names. The economy will surely be hurt by the loss of these immigrants. They work in agriculture, construction, restaurants and service-related industries. They do jobs many Americans will not do. A successful mass deportation would cause prices to soar as well as product shortages.

I realize the United States can’t accommodate all who want to come here. Our borders are now mostly secure. It’s time to give the DACA Dreamers as well as other undocumented immigrants a chance at citizenship. The United States cannot be allowed to ignore the immigrant situation as both political parties have done for at least three decades. Border security must be maintained. Immigration laws and quotas should be reviewed on a regular basis. This is a country of immigrants. We should be open to welcoming people from all over the world.

William Traxler

Bartlett