This letter is an attempted idea to address Guest Worker problems in the United States. It is simple, mitigates some major issues, and aids in homeland security. It is not perfect, but as time goes by we could make necessary changes to improve on the system. The idea is as follows:
Guest workers entering the U.S. would be cleared through their home computer so felons and other undesirables would not be eligible to enter the U.S., Age requirements would be sixteen or older and no dependents for six months. All eligible Guest Workers would receive a card with a G.P.S. chip, thumb print, and an E.I.D. number specific to that individual. The cost of the card would cover production and distribution costs plus thirty days uninsured motorist and thirty days health insurance. These would be nondeductible policies and if the Guest Worker did not have a full time job at the end of thirty days, they would be required to go to immigration and renew that portion of their card. All normal deductions would be deducted from their payroll check including uninsured motorist and health benefits. If they become citizens they would be entitled to full social security benefits, however, they would not be entitled to any benefits while in this country as a “Guest”. When they return to their native country they would be able to take 75% of their payments home and the other 25% would be applied to administrative costs. They would not be eligible for unemployment benefits. They would be required to have a driver’s license within thirty days of entering the U.S. Potential employers would have access to a federal database so they could verify that the potential employee was who he or she said they were when they presented their card.
Today, coyotes charge $1,500 - $3,000 to get illegals into our country. I think we could issue the cards for around $750, providing a legal entry makes more sense especially at a cheaper rate. Immigration officials and Border Patrol could utilize their time much more effectively chasing real criminals at our borders. Fines for hiring Guest Workers without a card could be enforced. Today there is no way to make them legal, so it is difficult to take it out on employers who need labor. The amnesty part of this Guest Worker program would look something like this: all illegal Guest Workers would have a period of time to get legal under this program, hopefully within thirty days but not over sixty. This program would correct illegal social security numbers, false I.D., and false driver licenses to legal documents. After the amnesty period expired any person caught with illegal documents would be considered a felon and immediately deported and not allowed reentry into our country for any reason. The final part of this amnesty section would deal with children born in the U.S. in Guest Worker families. They would not be allowed citizenship unless their parents became citizens. This is a positive start to resolving the Guest Worker problems in the U.S. Guest Workers entering the U.S. legally would go a long way toward securing our borders and give homeland security some tools they need to do their job a lot more effectively.
Jim Warren, February 21, 2007
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dear Friends,
I have announced my intention to run for Congress in our 17th Congressional District. I am passionate about my decision, and I am asking you to join me on this journey. I cherish you as my family and friends and I could not have the courage to do this with out all the great support you have given me through out the years.
I know that our current Congressman is not representing our local needs and is out of touch with Central Coast businesses and families. If this district gives me the opportunity to represent them, I will work for all the people of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.
I have lived on the Central Coast all of my life, in fact I am the 5th generation to live in the Salinas Valley. We have always had our businesses and families here. I am no stranger to community involvement. From these experiences I have learned cooperation, fiscal responsibility and keeping solid goals in mind.
My goals while in office are to promote family values, education, immigration security and the environment, our greatest natural resource. There are many issues that are not being addressed by our current representative, monies for this area that are going unclaimed and business and environmental opportunities that are not brought to a national audience.
We are primarily an agriculture-based district yet we are being represented by a career politician. I am committed to making the Central Coast a better place to live by taking our local values and needs to Washington DC. I want to represent you.
To win this election I know I need to speak to the voters, they want their voice to be heard and I want to hear it. I plan to contact voters through a focused campaign, and by walking our district.
Please know that I have carefully thought through what this process will entail. I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the coming months.
