Why not have illegal aliens build the wall to earn a pathway to citizenship?

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:31:11 -0500

A wall is going to be built (if President Trump has his way). It's going to be a costly endeavor but it seems that there is no other way to stem the flood of illegal trespassing into America as well as illegal drug trafficking, etc. Part of the cost can be offset by taxing cash flowing from illegal aliens to families across the border. However, the cost of labor might be greatly reduced by employing illegal aliens in a CCC-style program. Provide them with living quarters at the job sites and a stipend as well as food and medical care. Once the wall is built, we can then vigorously pursue those who avoided service in this opportunity. Also, we need to amend the Constitution to eliminate "anchor babies". Anyone born of American citizens anywhere in the world will then be an American Citizen. (period)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 12:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:31:57 -0500

It's a thought

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jan 25 at 2017 12:34 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:34:29 -0500

Will they be paid though? or would this be equivalent to "prison labor".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 12:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:36:57 -0500

Why not use prisoners then? You don't have to pay them squat and they would be put to good use instead of committing more crimes inside

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Jan 25 at 2017 1:46 PM

Cpl Joshua Caldwell — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:46:14 -0500

I like the idea, my grandfather built highways during the depression for the CCC. I also support the idea that we should have a foreign legion as a way to earn your way to citizenship. Unfortunately I think I am the only person floating the foreign legion idea.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 25 at 2017 2:17 PM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 14:17:08 -0500

Outstanding idea.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Jan 25 at 2017 2:20 PM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 14:20:33 -0500

How deep into the ground is this wall going to be! they already have tunnels in areas where there are sections of walls.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 25 at 2017 3:00 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:00:43 -0500

A CCC type program would work very well if applicable laws can be changed to allow it. Hiring of illegal aliens, wage and hour regulations, working conditions, etc., etc. would have to be considered. Similar programs exist OCONUS at military installations (Diego Garcia, GITMO, etc.) where the US hires foreign workers (primarily Filipinos) for construction and other jobs at fraction of what they would pay for similar work in CONUS. These workers are hired under agreements with the Philippine government and US government.

My dad, when he was a young Army Corps of Engineers Captain, commanded several CC camps. He shared a great many stories with me about how they were run. It was a win-win for the country and the individuals. No reason such a program would not work in the US with foreign workers or US workers, to include prisoners. Certainly something worth looking into.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 3:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:35:41 -0500

I volunteer for certain entities outside of army which I get to work with CBP agents. The public doesn't know the whole scope of illegal immigrants, how the come to America, what deters them from coming here, ....
And the idea of the big wall. Sounds really great idea. I hate to say this but it is great to hear about it on a campaign trail. In reality it is not nearly as real. No wall will stop people from coming over. Build it high or electrify it, doesn't matter. People will climb it or dig under it.
According to the border patrol personnel (I don't care about what someone tells you on TV) the effective system is what the use at this time. Prior administration granted them funding for these sensors and cameras all over the border. (Cameras similar to the one we used out on deployment, the one that can see over 10 miles..) Sensors have capability of taking pictures and transmitting it the the main base, then CBP agents will be dispatched. Now you get the point about the wall? It will not work.
I may stop here but anyone has any questions, we can continue discussing it.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 25 at 2017 3:37 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:37:08 -0500

Understood the need to secure the border and that now we have no choice but to build a better border demarcation. However years ago we blew an opportunity to tie NAFTA trade to Mexican Economic gains and hopefully with the renogotiated NAFTA we treat MEXICO like CUBA and insist on both Democratic reforms as well as an annual % raise in living standards for Mexicans South of the Border or we restrict trade with them more and more. It is ridiculous the slow progress Mexico has made with living standards when you see Central American countries right next to Mexico and without NAFTA that have raised their per capita income higher on a percentage terms than Mexico has in the last 20 years. Clearest sign the Mexican Government is NOT fully Democratic and is corrupt.........as if we needed any proof.

Response by PFC Joseph Eggy made Jan 25 at 2017 3:38 PM

PFC Joseph Eggy — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:38:55 -0500

This is rich!!! Building a wall is going to stem drug smuggling how??? Last time I checked, most of the tweakers, coke heads, and crackheads HERE further fund and have the demand for the crap... Just saying.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jan 25 at 2017 3:52 PM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:52:40 -0500

Much of this problem could be eventually resolved with doing away with the crazy "Anchor Baby" policy. A wall while good on paper is just not practical unless billions more are spent on underground microphones, sensors, and guard towers as those wanting to enter can just go over or under in remote areas. Secondly, place a heavy tax on money transfers to nations with a large population of citizens living in this country illegally. Billions leave the US annually never to stimulate this economy and keep the corrupt governments of the countries these people afloat. Ending Anchor Babies and taxing heavily the money sent back home seems less costly and much more effective and can be accomplished much more rapidly by Congress.

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 26 at 2017 12:21 AM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:21:57 -0500

thats one way to look at it... and it sounds like a good project...

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jan 26 at 2017 11:49 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:49:28 -0500

CPT Jack Durish Why not have them build the wall from the other side and not let them back over it.