The issue of border security is muddled, volatile and vital to the welfare of America. Regardless of the label applied, whether it is illegal alien, undocumented immigrant, or criminal, discussing the issue takes people out of their comfort zone. Depending on the position taken, you can sound like a racist, a bleeding heart, a paranoid security freak or a genuinely concerned citizen willing to look a grim reality in the face.

The best way to stem the tide of illegals coming from Mexico is to stop giving them a reason to come. They aren’t coming here because they like In-and-Out burgers and Britney Spears. They are coming for money, which employers, taking full advantage of the oppressed, pay them under the table in pitiful amounts which doesn’t generate any tax income and reduces the job market for legal citizens. The argument that illegals only take the jobs that Americans won’t do is repugnant, ignorant and insulting to all parties involved.

A partial solution may be on the horizon. A legislative amendment has been agreed upon by legislators Grassley, Kyl, Kennedy, Baucus and Obama (yes, that Obama) that would require all U.S. employers to submit job applicants’ Social Security numbers or other ID to a new federal verification system. If prospective employers fail to comply, they will face much higher fines than any previously levied. The application process would require the production of a U.S. passport or a Real ID driver’s license (to be issued in 2008 under a new law passed after September 11) and to guard against a run on stolen Social Security numbers, the proposal would make identity theft a felony.

In addition, to bolster security the border needs to be fortified. It has been estimated that a 2,000 mile state-of-the-art border fence will cost between 4 and 8 billion dollars. For the bargain price of 851 million dollars a chain link fence could be built and then electrified which might provide a new game for bored patrol agents – zap an alien. After all, they can’t shoot armed drug dealers in the butt while they are crossing the border unless they obtain written approval first so they have to find something to do.

Another option is to build tall security towers and staff them with agents provided with high tech cameras and bullhorns. I can hear it now, “Stop or I’ll take your picture!” In any case, none of these options would successfully deal with the underground tunnels used to circumvent the border. The most recent of these even had electricity and drainage pumps. If only the Mexican illegals would invest that much time and innovation into improving their own country

One way to get that wall built, whether it is out of chain link, concrete or spit and toilet paper is to enlist the help of our prison populations. As of June 2006, in excess of 2,245,189 prisoners were held in Federal or State prisons and they are a viable workforce that can be legally required to work. According to the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

Since states spend approximately 25 billion a year on corrections, a growing number of states are now requiring prisoners to help pay for their own incarceration. The Federal Prison Industries attempts “to employ and provide skills training to the greatest practicable number of inmates confined within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They pay the inmates a nominal wage, deduct fees, taxes and amounts for victim funds and family support and give the inmates the rest.

While I don’t agree with private companies having access to the prison work force, (the idea of having rapists and child molesters putting Tickle Me Elmo graphics on t-shirts is disturbing), I do believe that giving back to America should be a top priority for our inmates. This labor force could be utilized at a low cost and at the same time be taught new skills and I am sure that with the innovations in technology the cumbersome chain gang security method could be replaced with tracking devices or other escape hindrances. A twisted irony of course would be if we used incarcerated illegals as part of the labor force to bolster the border.

According to statistics, a majority of Americans agree that something must be done to slow the influx of aliens into this country, whether for legal, economic or national security reasons. The solution remains elusive because we are torn between our emotions regarding humanity and the survival of our country. On an individual basis it is difficult to turn away any person in need but when the numbers become between 13 and 20 million the phrase comes to mind “Whoa Nelly!” However, I am all for shooting the drug dealers in the butt.