Temporary Work Immigration Visa Status with permanent Residency Option

[GDiaz (Gregory Diaz)]

Overview:

(This proposal includes an amendment to make a better balance between fairness, accountability and practicality. It respects the contributions of undocumented workers while safeguarding the value of U.S. citizenship and ensuring residency is a privilege, not a right. By adopting these changes, the proposal addresses legitimate concerns raised by T Cottrell while complementing my original vision)

This policy addresses the realities of the U.S. labor market and the millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing and working within the country. By providing a structured, legal path for temporary work status and, for those who wish, a path to citizenship, this proposal offers a balanced solution to both economic demands and humanitarian concerns. This policy will bring undocumented immigrants into the formal economy, creating a significant boost to tax revenue, supporting essential industries, and reducing the strain on immigration enforcement.

Key Policy Points:

1. Temporary Work Immigration Status with Permanent Residency Option
(amendment at the end of this proposal to address legitimate concerns by many)

• Immigrants who wish to work in the U.S. temporarily or establish long-term residency will have the opportunity to apply for a “Temporary Work Immigration Status,” with the option for a permanent residency for those who intend to remain, or in some cases even structured path to citizenship.
• This status recognizes two primary groups: temporary laborers who aim to work and return to their home countries as many do, and those seeking to establish permanent roots in the U.S.*

2. 90-Day Registration Period

• Current undocumented workers will have a 90-day window to register for temporary work status without needing to leave the U.S. Applications will detail intended work, level of expertise, and wages, and will include personal information and background checks.
• This one-time amnesty period encourages transparency while acknowledging immigrants who have already contributed to the U.S. economy.*

3. Collaboration with Home Country Consulates

• Immigrants must register with their home country consulate. The U.S. government will collaborate with foreign consulates and governments to facilitate registration and ensure accountability for applicants.

4. Background Checks and Deportation for Criminals

• All applicants must pass a background check. Those who fail will be ineligible and subject to deportation. Those who commit felonies in the U.S. (e.g., aggravated assault, DUI) will lose eligibility permanently.
• This ensures that the program protects American communities and only benefits law-abiding individuals.*

5. Business Participation in Labor Needs

• To ensure the program meets genuine labor demands, U.S. businesses will declare their workforce needs. Eligible immigrants will be authorized to work based on verified industry needs, such as in agriculture and construction.
• By structuring labor allocations, this policy helps address workforce shortages in high-demand sectors while protecting against labor exploitation.

6. Sponsored Employment and Reporting

• Immigrants must have a sponsoring employer to work legally. If terminated, they will have a 30-day grace period to secure new sponsorship or face return to their home country.
• This ensures stability in employment and helps track compliance with employment and immigration regulations.

7. Independent Business Owners with Employees

• Immigrants in the program who own businesses with two or more employees will be eligible to register as business owners under this policy and must meet all legal and tax obligations.
• This provision promotes entrepreneurship among immigrants while ensuring that all businesses operate within legal frameworks.

Benefits to the U.S. Economy:

1. Increased Tax Revenue

• Registered immigrants will begin reporting and paying taxes without fear of deportation. This new source of tax revenue will support public services, infrastructure, and social programs.*

2. Workforce Stability in Essential Sectors

• With high demand for labor in agriculture and construction, this policy provides a legal workforce for these vital sectors, stabilizing production and growth in areas where current U.S. citizens are often unwilling or unable to fill roles.

3. Reduction of Exploitative Work Conditions

• Providing legal work status reduces the exploitation of undocumented workers, raising job standards and wages across industries where under-the-table practices are common.

4. Enhanced National Security

• By identifying and registering current undocumented immigrants, this policy improves national security, as millions of immigrants currently untracked will now undergo background checks and be accountable under U.S. law.

5. Strengthening of Diplomatic Relations

• Coordinating with foreign consulates to manage this immigration program enhances diplomatic relations and reinforces mutual accountability between the U.S. and neighboring countries.

Additional Provisions to Consider:

• A yearly evaluation of labor needs and adjustments to the temporary work status numbers to ensure alignment with economic demands
• Provisions to protect immigrant workers from unfair labor practices, including minimum wage guarantees and safe working conditions.
• Community and legal support resources to help immigrants integrate, including language and job training programs where needed.*

Conclusion:

This immigration policy is a practical, humane, and economically beneficial approach to addressing undocumented workers in the U.S. It formalizes the status of millions of laborers, provides a structured path for integration or return, and strengthens the economy by bringing essential workers into the formal workforce. By striking a balance between strict background checks and opportunities for legal work, this proposal ensures that America remains safe, prosperous, and inclusive.

PROVISIONS TO ADDRESS CITIZENSHIP CONCERNS AND STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY
(these provisions are intended to complement the original proposal by addressing concerns about illegal entry and safeguarding citizenship integrity)

Core Adjustments to Original Plan:

1. Two Pathways for Participants

• Path to Permanent Residency Only (No Citizenship or Voting Rights)**:
  • Individuals who entered the U.S. illegally will be eligible for permanent residency status but not citizenship. This ensures their contributions are recognized while maintaining the principle that entering illegally forfeits the right to vote or hold citizenship.
  • Permanent residents may live, work, and pay taxes in the U.S., and they can benefit from certain public systems. However, they will not be allowed to vote, run for office, or own land outright (similar to the Bahamian system).

• Path to Citizenship (Heightened Requirements)**:

  • A narrow and limited pathway to citizenship may be offered to specific groups, such as:

    • Individuals who serve in the U.S. military for a specified period.
    • Those who complete a service-based program, such as a medical deployment or other community service initiatives, to contribute significantly to American society.

  • Applicants must demonstrate exceptional integration, such as long-term tax compliance, English fluency, community involvement, and adherence to U.S. laws.

2. Dreamers as a Separate Category

• Children brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents would be eligible for a path to citizenship under a separate framework, recognizing that they were not culpable for their entry. This disincentivizes illegal crossings with children in the future.
• Dreamers must meet specific criteria, such as education attainment, military service, or employment, to qualify for citizenship.

3. Permanent Residency with Accountability

• All participants in the program will be issued a unique identifier (similar to a Social Security number but marked for non-citizen permanent residents).
• This status requires ongoing tax compliance, adherence to laws, and sponsorship/employment.
• Criminal activity results in immediate forfeiture of residency and deportation.

4. Land Ownership Restrictions for Non-Citizens

• Non-citizen permanent residents may lease land under strict criteria but will not have the right to outright ownership. This measure ensures that vital national resources remain under citizen control.

5. Safeguards Against Political Manipulation

• The policy will include measures to prevent any future administration from using this program to influence voting blocs. Examples include permanent disqualification from voting for those in the residency-only track.
• Transparency and oversight mechanisms will be established to ensure the program serves labor needs and not political agendas.

6. Residency by Grace of the American People

• This amended proposal emphasizes that residency is granted as an act of goodwill by the American people. It is not a right but a privilege contingent on compliance, contribution, and respect for U.S. laws and values.

Complementary Benefits of This Amended Plan

1. Respect for Rule of Law and Citizenship
• By distinguishing between citizenship and permanent residency, the policy upholds the principle that illegal entry has consequences while still addressing the labor and economic contributions of undocumented workers.
2. Economic Integration Without Political Manipulation
• Granting permanent residency (but not citizenship) ensures participants contribute to the economy without impacting the political system through voting or land ownership.
3. Preservation of Citizenship Integrity
• Maintaining a rigorous, limited pathway to citizenship ensures that those who achieve it have made exceptional contributions and fully integrated into American society.
4. Humanitarian Balance
• The proposal recognizes the contributions of undocumented workers and provides them with stability and security while ensuring they do not burden public systems or undermine the rights of legal citizens.
5. Public Support and Bipartisan Appeal
• By addressing both economic realities and concerns about political manipulation, this amended proposal is more likely to gain support from a broader spectrum of stakeholders, including those with stricter views on immigration.

Provision to Prioritize Employment for Unemployed U.S. Citizens and Veterans

Objective:
To ensure that U.S. citizens, especially unemployed military veterans, are prioritized for job opportunities in industries currently reliant on undocumented labor, while maintaining economic stability in sectors with persistent labor shortages.

Implementation Plan:

1. National Employment Preference Program (NEPP):

• Employers in high-demand industries, such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, must demonstrate efforts to recruit unemployed U.S. citizens, including military veterans, before hiring through the Temporary Work Immigration Status program.
• Recruitment efforts must include a 60-day minimum period of job postings and active outreach through local employment offices, veterans’ organizations, and workforce development programs.

2. Veterans’ Workforce Initiative (VWI):

• Establish a federally funded initiative to connect unemployed military veterans with job opportunities in industries experiencing labor shortages.
• Provide tax credits, grants, or subsidies to employers who hire veterans in these fields.
• Offer tailored training programs to help veterans transition to civilian careers, focusing on skills relevant to high-demand jobs.

3. Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs:

• Launch a nationwide effort to upskill U.S. citizens and veterans in trades and industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor.
• Programs will be funded by federal and state governments and will include partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and private employers.

4. Strengthening Employment Verification Systems:

• Enhance the E-Verify system to ensure employers comply with hiring priority rules for U.S. citizens and legal residents.
• Conduct regular audits of businesses that employ significant numbers of immigrant workers to verify compliance with employment preference mandates.

5. Mandatory Workforce Transition Plans:

• Require industries with a high dependency on undocumented labor to submit detailed transition plans outlining how they will reduce reliance on immigrant workers over time.
• These plans must include provisions for hiring U.S. citizens and veterans, as well as strategies for workforce development and retention.

6. Ongoing Oversight and Evaluation:

• Create a joint task force involving the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security to oversee implementation and assess the impact of these measures.
• Adjust the program as necessary to ensure it reduces unemployment while maintaining economic stability.

Expected Benefits:
• Reduced Unemployment: U.S. citizens and veterans will gain increased access to stable, well-paying jobs in industries with persistent labor shortages.
• Economic Stability: Gradually transitioning jobs to U.S. citizens ensures industries maintain the labor force needed for growth while promoting workforce self-reliance.
• Support for Veterans: The program honors the service of military veterans by providing meaningful pathways to civilian employment.
• Fair and Balanced Policy: This provision complements the broader immigration reform by prioritizing American workers while recognizing the ongoing need for immigrant labor in specific sectors.

[MAGA4Infinity (MAGA)]

If they came here illegally they do not deserve a “path” they need to be deported ASAP.

[TEC (T Cottrell)]

STRONGLY OPPOSE (BUT I think it is well thought out & would support this plan as a path to something that is not citizenship):

*ENTERING THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY SHOULD MEAN PATH TO CITIZENSHIP IS PERMANENTLY FORFEIT and NEVER HAVE THE OPTION TO VOTE IN ANY ELECTION OR ANY MEASURE (now let’s discuss why and other options) .

*MOST IMPORTANT: POLITICIANS MUST be PREVENTED & PERMANENTLY DISINCENTIVISED from recruiting a non-citizen voter block and offering them something at the cost of actual citizens that will deliver those politicians power or will tip the scale so that the current voter block of citizens that agree with them will be able to assert their will. THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE THIS IS PERMANENT FORFEITURE OF ANY PATH TO CITIZENSHIP FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS.

*Every ILLEGAL ALIEN (see notes below to the exception category being called “Dreamers”) has perpetrated a crime on every citizen individually by entering the country illegally. That should not be able to be waved as one citizen cannot resolve this injustice for every other citizen. (That does not mean or imply that every illegal alien has perpetrated any other type of crime, nor does it need to for this to be an issue - it also DOES NOT mean every illegal alien has to be deported, but it does mean that if you ever enter illegally, that your path to citizenship is PERMANENTLY FORFEIT. This message should go out to all the world loud and clear.

*THE WILLINGNESS FOR THOSE WHO ENTERED ILLEGALLY TO PROTEST and demonstrate over the past recent years in an effort to gain citizenship at the expense of the fabric of the American people (pitting Americans against each other) has been disturbing…as well as the lack of acknowledgement that their very presence in the way in which it was gained creates that tension. It demonstrates a lack of respect and understanding for many (but not all) illegal aliens.

*DREAMERS can be considered a separate category as legally children are not held criminally responsible for being present or coerced into participating in a crime perpetrated by their parents. That leaves them open to path to citizenship, while removing the option that they could be manipulated into being proxies for those here illegally or seeking to come illegally…and it would disincentivize those that would smuggle children over the border in an attempt to get a foothold themselves.

(FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION) MAYBE allowing a path to citizenship for those willing to serve in the military or those willing to serve under the medical plan I outlined in the Health & Education sections that will recruit, train, and deploy medical professionals within the USA.

*PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE HOW MANY legal immigrants are granted entry and eventually citizenship (as well they should be)…and the process is ordered so that they are not only demonstrating that they can come and not strain the public safety nets, integrate into communities, but that they learn what it is to be an actual citizen and want to embrace it (not just for personal economic improvement or even safety)…AND if you overload that process, then you end up with unintegrated communities functioning with foreign identities (not language, cooking, holidays, family traditions, but understanding of government, its purpose, its limitations, and in light of that the responsibilities as individual citizens). That is one reason why there are limits to how many people can come each year from a single country. To allow access to those that skipped the line is to deny those that stood in it, to risk that none learn to be CITIZENS of the USA as opposed to just living and working in it, and to rob citizenship of its essence and value for all those who are citizens by any means or seek to be such.

ONCE THAT IS RESOLVED:
*We can consider options for people to have extended or maybe even permanent residency, but they will be here by the grace of the American people… and I think the American people are gracious.

*I WOULD SUPPORT the plan above IF IT WAS NOT A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP, BUT INSTEAD a path to a permanent residency that allowed people to both contribute and benefit from their labor and contributions in almost every way EXCEPT THE VOTE.

*Criminal behavior can lead to deportation

*They can participate in the system and benefit from that participation (being assigned a number similar to a SS number, but maybe with a letter designation) - criminal activity forfeits those benefits and leads to immediate deportation (much like be fired for theft from a job - you lose your benefits and your job)

*LAND ownership is another consideration. In the Bahamas, land can only be owned by citizens, but a person can have a 99 years lease with criteria to be met. I think that is an idea that needs to be considered given that foreign nations and foreign nationals are already purchasing land by our bases.

*I have a separate medical plan under another category - that would effectively answer the humanitarian concerns of providing medical care throughout the United States, which would not dismantle the current system, but would run concurrently to it to recruit, train, and deploy excellent healthcare professionals in all fields to the masses (a similar structure to the military) that would take a lot of the opposition for integrating illegal aliens on an already strained system.

[GDiaz (Gregory Diaz)]

@TEC T Cottrell, I agree on many of your points of view and I have decided to amend my initial proposal taking into consideration many of your key points, if you don’t mind.
I have changed the title and added and addendum at the end of the initial proposal. Thank you for your contribution.

[Holly144 (Helen Grose)]

Many come to the US. With a visiting Visa and over stay. This is an illegal entry. When you state you will check their criminal record. They are criminals, because their entry in the US is illegal, for this reason. No illegal working or not should be given any working status visa. They must be sent back to their country of origins and apply only through the legal immigration process only if they do not have other criminal records. The US must stream line the legal immigration process. This is where I see Elon improving the system by doing an overhaul of our immigration process. All that are allowed must have job lined up and finances to support themselves. No government assistance, while on green card. Must work and support yourself.

[USMCbogota (Michael Diaz-Saule)]

I agree with almost all of this, especially since deportation of all illegals at this point would be cost prohibitive.

I would also include a clause that eliminates the “baby anchor” ability. If aliens are here illegally, any child born to illegal parents are deemed citizens of the parent’s citizenship.

For folks that have entered the US through a legal visa and thus overstays their visa, the current system places them into deportation hearing unless they entered through a Visa waiver program. These people have already signed a document that states they have no other option if they violate other than deportation to their home country.

I would place, though I am not sure if here would be appropriate, but for the issue of asylum.

Any person who enters the US seeking asylum must have arrived directly from the country for which they are seeking asylum from. Those that have travelled through other countries that the traveler could have sought asylum will be required to return to that country. Otherwise, persons could apply for asylum to the US via an embassy or consulate outside the US and required to remain outside the country until their case is adjudicated. I am hoping this would end economic asylum.

[Mirelaoctavia (Mirela)]

I agree with your modifications . I would add that every illegal in this country should have an ITIn number what does not look like a social security number it looks now and to be deported if they cannot show work contract for at least 2 years. Their children should pay tuition if they come with their parent. They use resources directed to US children.

[MaryL (Mary Haymon)]

We need to start over. A lot of the woman came over pregnant just so they would be here. Not thinking what the consequences would be. When they could have got the visa’s and still got all their moneys. That 15,000 could have started both parents towards citizenship. But they chose not too.
If they choose to start their citizenship, with their visas then it would be another story. Don’t penalty them bc of them being able to stay bc of Biden. Just let them go home for their month and come back. Everyone else go home for 2-3 yrs before applying. They have taken peoples jobs. I know multiple Mexicans that lost their jobs bc of it.

[ptrisha808 (Patricia Reyes Roberts Soto)]

Interesting comments. What about the Americans who are purchasing land in Latin American countries pushing people out of places like Puerto Vallarta. I travelled there to see a lot of ‘americans’ buying up land and leaving the Mexicans with no way to even come close to being able to live in the place they were born. The same has happened in Lake Atitlan & Antigua Guatemala, Costa Rica etc. In fact in Costa Rica which was one of the safest Central American countries now has severe drug traffic issues bc of foreigners coming to live there (many americans) to do their drugs or set up a smuggling business to the US. A few decades ago this problem didn’t exist in Costa Rica. So lets do a tit for tat, the large set of criteria for Latin Americans/Foreigners and the same for Americans who want to move to Latin America because their American dollars go nowhere here in the US. They should be forbidden from buying land, they should be forbidden from using Latin American health care, in fact they have to pay US prices to live across the board. There are whole towns dedicated to taking care of American senior citizens who have been dumped by their own families and a lack of real care for them in the US. Seniors are treated like crap here in California. In Mexico, I was shocked at how well these very ill seniors were being cared for. So it irks me when America blasts Latin America but sucks on it when they need to be taken care of. None of these seniors had a chance of being treated like real human beings even by ‘christians’ They moved to Mexico to be treated with respect something that at least in California doesn’t exist. I saw a woman in a nursing home with ZERO teeth being given a chicken breast to eat. She was very thin they said ‘she was lacking the will to live’ They were starving her as she couldn’t chew the food. I had to say I was calling the police for elder abuse if they didn’t puree the food so she could swallow it. This is a broad spectrum issue in the US. Seniors are treated like crap. Those Latinos that come here take care of many many Americans who have been dumped by their own children and families.

[Mirelaoctavia (Mirela)]

Interesting point of view. But wrong .
The law is the law .
An illegal immigrant should never be able to change status .Needs to go back home and apply for legal entry .A child entered illegally enjoys the same status and they should be sent to their country of origin .any individual coming for work should have a working visa .If his income allows him he can pay for his family and his children to visit or stay with him without forcing US citizens to pay for them .That means paying for school and medical care .Any illegal at this time in US should be brought in a form of accountability .If they have work contracts or sponsors they should be given work visa ,and same treatment they pay for their family if not the families go back home .This country has to advance not to barely survive because of the illegal immigration .