As we’ve noted over the past few weeks, there are dozens of systemic flaws in the approach of the gang’s immigration bill.  But there are two overarching problems with all of these proposals:  1) the legalization (and certainly the suspension of deportations) is immediate and certain; the enforcement measures are later and tenuous 2) it is incontrovertibly clear that granting such a low-skilled population a path to citizenship, when coupled with chain migration and birthright citizenship, will constitute a demonstrative public charge.

Once those two issues are addressed, there will be a broad consensus on how to deal with those already here illegally.  At tomorrow’s Judiciary Committee markup, Senator Ted Cruz plans to throw down that gauntlet to the Democrats and Republican gang members.  If they truly desire a solution to this problem, which was largely created by some of the members on the committee, they would sign onto Cruz’s amendments.

Ted Cruz will introduce an amendment stipulating that no legalization can commence until the Secure Fence Act of 2006 and the biometric US-Visit exit-entry system are implemented.  They can have their amnesty, but the laws already on the books must be followed before that process begins.

In order to address the welfare point, Cruz will introduce a second amendment – just one-page long – barring all amnestied illegals from ever receiving federal, state, or local means-tested benefits or Obamacare coverage.

There are diverse views in the political world about what to do with those already here illegally.  But walling off the welfare state and implementing enforcement first must serve as the foundation for any amnesty.  Were the Democrats on the committee (along with Jeff Flake and Lindsey Graham) to support those amendments, we will indeed achieve the bipartisan solution the media so zealously desires.

Parting question: Where does Mitch McConnell stand on all of this?  He is the GOP leader, isn’t he?