The topic of immigration, both legal and illegal has been much in the news of late, as well as a hot blog subject.  Here's my take.

Immigration, terrorism, borders, and customs are inextricably linked.  As a country we have too many different agencies involved, each with their own piece of turf and fief, none of whom appear to share important data with other agencies in any rational way.  All too often it is just plain dumb luck that allows us to intercept, confine, tax and regulate all of these elements with any kind of consistency or efficiency.

Part of the problem is a myriad of laws, each aimed at a different facet, but sometimes conflicting with other laws aimed at another. 

Another part is the (to me) illogical view that we should reward the criminals already here by granting them any kind of immunity or amnesty for their crimes.  Not only are they here illegally, but they are also a burden on our society's infrastructure - healthcare, unpaid taxes, use of facilities (schools, roads, law enforcement, etc.) 

Since there are those who view these illegals as potential voters, and those who who think that the economy would collapse if they were gone, I suppose just kicking them out would be unworkable politically, as well as a further drain on our resources.

So why don't we just make citizenship available for purchase? Say for  $100,000.  Consider it a fine for their crimes  as well as restitution to our society.  Make it payable in yearly installments of $10,000 due on April 15.  When the last installment is paid, they get to vote.