"We could spend billions of dollars and still not seal the border. The only certain route to controlling the flow of people into the United States is comprehensive immigration reform.

To its credit, the Bush administration is saying just that (even when it runs counter to their conservative base).

Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez told the P-I Editorial Board last week that the best way to improve border security is to improve enforcement within the country, "and that requires a temporary worker's permit."

Work is the key word here.

He said the unemployment rate for undocumented workers is well below the national average: "I suggest that people come for one reason only -- because they can find a job."

A comprehensive solution needs to recognize that work force -- because it is now a part of our economy, one that will grow in its importance as the rest of the population continues to age. A comprehensive reform will have to improve the means for legal immigration. Legal migration is nearly impossible for too many people."

Get the Story:
Mark Trahant: Commerce secretary on right road (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 8/27)

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