One possibility would be to eliminate tenure for civil service employees of the federal government. I'd like the federal government to be run more like a normal business, where you can fire incompetent employees without too much trouble.

Can I play, although I am not an American?

Of course.

Thank you, Sir.

I would, admittedly biased, make an immigration reform.
Local police forces should be able to get clearance from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to deport illegal aliens, paid for by ICE.
To obtain Legal Permanent Residence status*, the immigrant has to be a member of a society contributing organizations such as the Peace Corps, etc (I don't know all options available). After ten years of continuous service and no major illegal acts, citizenship would be awarded.
Alternatively, one could perform one year of previously mentioned service and legitimate work, followed by enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces, with additional interview and check up of previous year, to obtain citizenship. The citizenship would be revoked in case of dishonorable discharge.

EDIT:
*This would award the status to all enrolling in this program, while keeping the LPR status revokable as present - but with more deportation, if needed.

Grocery prices would be ridiculously high. Illegal immigrants take jobs most ordinary Americans would not take, and will work for very low wages. Besides, getting citizenship (thus being able to make higher wages) is already possibly through joinnig the military.

I consider myself a conservative in the most simple terms... personal responsibility and SMALLER GOVERNMENT. Our government is much bigger than it needs to be.

Just my .02.

I would replace the US Senate with a House of Lords. The first peer I would name would be this congressman. I would make him a Count.

In this scenario, legal immigrants would be allowed to work those jobs Americans would not take, with said obligations. If I'm not mistaken, the biggest cause of US and European grocery produce competitive power lies in the subsidies, and tariffs towards developing countries. I think Africa and farmers in Colombia might be interested in selling cheap groceries, might be an incentive to coca farmers - if the threat to their head is lightened at the same time. You could mightily increase competition if two low wage continents got in the action.

Are you suggesting that you rather have illegal immigrants than Americans or legal immigrants working at minimum wage? I understand that illegal immigrants likely work below minimum wage - although I don't know if you favor having that activity in the USA.

As a side note, LPR status is withdrawn in case of major illegal activity, such as rape, murder, etc.

If you are a legal permanent resident, which is not the most joyous experience obtaining.

For reference, see me. :)

I agree.

/rimshot :rolleyes:

Yes. There are so many aspects and variables to the situation that it cannot really be proven whether illegals save us money or not overall. The jobs they'll do (that we won't) and what they'll work for and live off of I believe is beneficial to us in the larger scheme of things.

I grew up in deep South Texas, not 5 miles from the border. I have a pretty good understanding of the situation, and unless the # of immigrants crossing gets way out of hand (IMO right now it's not), I don't think much needs to be changed. I have several friends that grew up with illegals as parents, went to school, then got scholarships for college based both on academic merit and socio-economic disposition and will be graduating into productive members of society within a few years. This would not be possible in most countries. I truly do believe that America is still the land of opportunity, despite what liberal garbage the media is putting into everyones' minds. The way it all works now certainly isn't the best possible way, but naturalizing every immigrant that goes to work on a rural farm is unneccessary IMO.

- Just a modest opinion from a person who grew up in the thick of illegal immigration.

damn, don't hurt yourself...

Buh Bye FBI

I would amend Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution to specifically state the intent of the founders. It is this "Interstate Commerce Clause" which Congress and the Supreme Court use to expand government.

Not really what I was saying (regarding bold part), but I understand your point overall.

I just think that the part of this that contributes to society, whether it be by lowering grocery prices, educating people or serving in the US Armed Forces, would be good if it was possible to do easier legally. Minimum wage can be changed or abolished if needed, so can tariffs, etc.
And the other side of the coin, the security.

I think the one reform I'd make is add an amendment to the Constitution saying that the budget NEEDS to be balanced on a yearly basis. This is because I don't think it's fair that one generation spends anothers future earnings. Even our founding fathers believed that unless it is a time of crisis we should never put our nation into debt,
If you have any questions about this please see the book "Running on Empty" by Peter Peterson