Realizing that amnesty was not the answer… the Bush Administration appears to be preparing a new package to combat illegal immigration:

This program appears to be a step in the right direction.  Some of the highlights are…

• The proposals would raise civil fines on employers who hire undocumented immigrants by as much as 25 percent and
• overhaul temporary worker programs, according to a summary of the plans obtained by The Associated Press.

• The administration also wants to expand the list of international gangs whose members are automatically denied admission to the U.S., reduce processing times for immigrant background checks, and
• install by the end of the year an exit system so the departure of foreigners from the country can be recorded at airports and seaports.

• In addition, employers will face possible criminal sanctions if they don’t fire employees unable to clear up problems with their Social Security numbers.

While it is a “step” in the right direction, is it a monumental step?  I don’t think so… okay, risking a 25% increased fine to hire an undocumented worker may be worth the gamble - given the amount that an employer would save in lower wages.
And, frankly, employers should be facing criminal charges, today, for not clearing up Social Security problems.

A step in the right direction… not a huge step… but, nonetheless… a step.