All states are affected by our immigration dilemma. Eleven million unauthorized immigrants crowd our classrooms and fill our emergency rooms, and in some cases take jobs — and American taxpayers pay the price.
The good news is that in addition to the 8 million working unauthorized immigrants, there are 20 million Americans and business owners who want them to be here — they value the skills and availability of those here illegally and seek them out for employment.
The third way model for immigration reform provides a simple way for those responsible for illegal immigration to be the answer to reforming immigration. Immigrants and their employers brought us to where we are, and they need to take fiscal responsibility for their illegal hiring practices.
Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and other Republicans, and many Democrats as well, have suggested work permits. Both mass deportation and mass citizenship are fiscally irresponsible. The 10-year REALcard work permit makes it possible for those who want work to earn economic opportunity in the United States without burdening most American taxpayers with the cost.
For this to work efficiently, working immigrants need to earn the 10-year renewable work permit by obeying our laws and contributing a nickel for each dollar of immigrant wages earned, with employers matching that amount. Because of the magnitude of people paying this combined 10 percent assessment, it yields a whopping $210 billion over 10 years.
These funds can be used to help mitigate many of the problems caused by illegal immigration. For example, the model creates funds to support technical and trade schools where those competing for jobs can learn new skills, and it channels money for health care and education, border security, and many more areas of need.
As a bonus, it will end the largest and longest continuing tax fraud in American history. It exists within the Individual Tax Identification Number program and amounted to $6 billion in 2015.
If Congress can reform immigrant taxes, it will create a future with much more comfort and security for our immigrants and American taxpayers.
