Originally Posted by DWB

In fantasy land, I agree with you. But in the real world, it just doesn't work that way.

What you currently have are parents from all over the world who PLAN on visiting the USA during the time the woman will give birth, so their child can become a US citizen. A child born on US soil is granted citizenship. I'm all for this if the rest of the world does it in return. But if Americans are forced to live by the rules that the rest of the world dictates, then I don't have much sympathy for those who break the rules in the USA, even if they are kids. It is unfortunate, but that's the way it is.

And as Rochard pointed out, Americans get jailed for doing the dumbest things, but illegal immigrants get a pass and get drivers license. That is just not right.

I helped a girl from Venezuela come to the USA years back. She came legally but overstayed her visa and lived with me. She signed up for English classes and within six months was able to obtain a drivers license, social security card, and several credit cards. She then married an American and had two children. She is illegal as the day is long. I told her in advance, per the advice of my friend who is an immigration lawyer, if she gets caught, she and her children will be deported and that was a risk she was willing to take.

Children are always at the mercy of their parents. If they are fed bad food, they will be fat. Maybe they will have lung problems due to parents who smoke. Maybe they will get a horrible education. It's not the child's fault but that is life. Same with immigration.

That said, I can see certain circumstances where older children would be permitted to stay. To start, they need to be FLUENT in English, be good students, pass a drug test, and have no juvenile criminal history. No losers allowed. The USA has enough of those types already. At a certain age, if they meet all the criteria, and can pass an exam, give them a chance to stay. If they are under a certain age or do not pass the criteria, whatever that criteria may be, adios amigo.