Hi Joselyn,

I'm also looking for research on this topic. I found this interesting op-ed that suggests some potential solutions... 

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-nazario-what-works-to-end-illegal-immigration-20170423-story.html

Be interested to see that other researchers are reporting on this topic.

Best,

Lucia

Immigrants are a global problem, not just in The United States of America.

Regards

Immigrants  to the USA who have entered the country should be granted citizenship if they are working and are not a burden to the society. They can be dealt individually, like they are in Canada.

Any visitor to the USA will see that Mexicans and South Americans make a substantial proportion of the working force. In some hotels, for example, ALL the workers are Mexicans and very friendly too. If you expel them, that hotel will close, so down goes the economy. They are indispensable to the USA economy. They are more important to the country than some of the other lazy citizens.

The recent immigrants to Greece from Syria and Afghanistan, however, are not allowed to work in the country (EU regulations) This is odd, because some of them are trained professionals that can contribute to the local economy. They are kept like prisoners.

Building a wall is just stupid, because sooner or later someone else will demolish it (see Berlin Wall).

What is the problem???? First generation migrants?

All humans living outside some tiny part of Africa probably have a migratory background, haven't they? (You and me included ...)

It's not the migrants who should be blamed for searching for a better way of living, but it's those people who try to keep them at bay, fearing for some petty short-time advantages over their fellow humans (at the expense of huge long-term advantages for everyone, including themselves). Give any diligent, peaceful human being in the world a chance to live a viable live, and most of them won't even think of leaving their friends or their homes -- and those who still do might come as your friends, not as anyone you have to be afraid of. You should better fear those who tell you that migration in itself was a problem: It is them who are the real problem we will have to find a solution for.

... and by the way: The easiest way to solve the problem of illegal immigration is to legalize it!

The problem is not the migration, the migration is a result of a problem in the place, where the people come from.

We need to solve this problems. Only fewest people will leave their homes, if they have acceptable conditions.

If you say, they should solve their problems, this is not ours - this does not come to the point. Our world is globalized, everyone is linked up. The rich countries take advantages from poor countries, they get cheap raw materials, clothes, wood, food, manpower (and womenpower:) a.s.o.

If all this would happen under conditions (payment, health conditions, environmental conditions...), that we personally would accept for our own, then the problem is solved.

Dear Joselyn,

we all have a migratory background.

You said: "Should immigrants who have lived in the United States for x amount of years be granted citizenship?"

If you date back to 1492 an take this as a basis for your x,  then you will get a real problem.

Best,

 Rudolf

In my opinion there no solutions, because inmigration is not a problem.

Defining the cause of immigration can help set up the best solutions, but the major problem is that after knowing the immigration reasons and what solutions work the best, no proper implementation is being done. Most of the immigration reasons reside that the person is not feeling he is in the right place for him either financially, knowledgeably, culturaly.

Sustainability seems like an umbrella-term. Canadian government probably provides one of the best examples. We need to remain open to various cultures, as this nation would not have been built without immigrants. Certain rules must be followed, of course. Means of assuring that new immigrants have a genuine intent to contribute to the society in a positive way should be in place.Generally, cooperation and inclusion vs conflict and exclusion.

Usually immigrants who were kids become part of the society they live in, except they also conserve the mother tongue and culture, moreover if taken care of, they do well, so I guess they deserve the nationality. These kids with time add diversity to he workforce and consequently contribute to innovations.

As for immigrants who lived for a number of years in the USA, provided these do not have criminal charges, then also deserve the nationality.

Should the Government Allow Immigrants Who Are Here Illegally to Become US Citizens? 

"Gaining legal status would likely mean three things for people now living in the US illegally… First, they would no longer be subject to deportation solely because they’re in the country illegally, as long as they are law abiding in other ways. Second, they would be authorized to work. Third, they would have the ability to travel in and out of the United States. At least 60 percent of the illegal population has been in the US for more than 10 years… and are unable to return to their home countries to visit family or for other reasons…

They would be eligible to receive government benefits, such as unemployment insurance and Social Security. They could vote. And they would be eligible for special immigration privileges, such as being able to bring family members into the country. If they commit a crime, they can't be deported.

These privileges of citizenship would not apply to people with legal status."

http://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001362

Countries who are the causers  for the immigration of people all over the world, need to stop their wrong policy and start to think positive. They need to solve the problem instead  of being the problem themselves. Mercy. The world needs a lot of mercy.

You may not think it's a problem but learn what is happening in the US (and around the world for that matter) and then see if you can say the same. "Problem" in this sense is defined as a social or political problem depending on how the community (country/city/ etc.0 views it and what they what to do -- policy/program- to deal with it o bring about change regarding the issue. Saying it is NOT a problem, idealistically or otherwise  therefore no solution is needed accomplishes nothing. 

I'm sure the wave of immigration into the US by British was problematic to the Native Americans, think what they could have done for this major problem that cost them their Country, culture, dignity... Those who benefitted the most from Immigration are always looking for solutions... I'm off this thread...

Conquest is NOT immigration and that too happened all over the world. And that talk also accomplishes nothing and contributes nothing to what is happening in the US and the world today.  Neither does a walk away in anger. We are professional and should be able to discuss issues. BTW it way it was also the French, Spanish and Dutch. 

Are they clamouring for "solutions', as a matter of fact the results of the French elections prove otherwise.... To the conquerors its conquest, to the locals it's genocide.... Who says it is a problem? I think it's not....

Hi Carla, Forced immigration, conquest methods, lead to what you said. That is, genociding the locals, but here is not the case, don't you agree? Otherwise it is problematic to all not only for one side. Because even those who conquest will be later abolished!

The Real Problem with Immigration... and the Real Solution!

14 economic principles should be borne in mind in crafting an effective guest worker program...

An excellent proposals were made. To me, they are very realistic.

http://www.heritage.org/immigration/report/the-real-problem-immigration-and-the-real-solution

Improvement of socioeconomic condition and stop war can change the situation. 

First of all we have to stop diving this world into so called nation state. we all are human and have right to visit any places of the world. powerful state should stop creating problem around the world for their own benefit. 

Immigration and "an effective guest worker program..." are not necessarily the same. There's an assumption here that the latter is a solution for the former, with another assumption of only one of the motives/reasons that people immigrate.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"How to solve Europe’s migration crisis

POLITICO asked thinkers, experts and policymakers for their solution to one of the Continent’s greatest challenges.

By POLITICO

Europe’s most serious refugee crisis since World War II is stretching economic resources, radicalizing politics and straining the post-war institutions created to keep the continent at peace and whole.

Over a million migrants came into the EU last year, and thousands are following them every day on an often perilous journey. As Brussels struggles to fashion a workable common response, national capitals are taking matters into their own hands. A borderless Europe created by the Schengen treaty is in doubt. Even Germany and Sweden, which last summer threw open their arms to welcome the newcomers, are having second thoughts.

So what is to be done? POLITICO asked leading thinkers, experts, policymakers and politicians for their solution to Europe’s worsening migration problem."....

For more details, please, press on the link to see the rest of the article...

http://www.politico.eu/article/solve-migration-crisis-europe-schengen/

There’s ‘no easy way’ to fix this long-standing issue "immigration" , but there’s definitely a way or ways to solve it.

1. Legalize Them. 2. Eliminate Illegal Immigration Rewards. 3. Mandate E-Verify.4. Strengthen Interior Enforcement. 5. Authorize The Use Of Volunteer Civilian Groups. 6. Authorize The Use Of Armed Forces On The Border. 7. Improve Work Visa Program. 8. Implement A Better Job Program. 9. Make Illegals Self-Deport.10. Strengthen Border Security.

https://www.listland.com/top-10-solutions-to-illegal-immigration-in-the-usa/

I think the first step for treatment Immigration is to help people in poor and  developing countries to solve their  living problems especially economic one .

I agree with most of what has been said, particularly in Dragos' paper. In the United States, the 'problem' has not been immigration alone, but how our attitude toward immigration has changed. Until about the 1880's, although immigration was an urban problem, we allowed millions to go out to various frontiers, "the West", and "the North". The US still has huge tracts of moderately arable land; but it is now government-held as  'reserves', 'parks', and so on, OR, it is privately owned. We also have a dramatic change in the skills and desires of immigrants-- most people coming to the US in this Post-Modern era are not and do not wish to become rural farmers. So, a former resource is no longer a solution; and the cities are feeling even greater pressure because today's immigrant was usually a semi-urban person in their country of origin, and wants to maintain that lifestyle.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"How immigration has changed the world – for the better

Is immigration good or bad? Some argue that immigrants flood across borders, steal jobs, are a burden on taxpayers and threaten indigenous culture. Others say the opposite: that immigration boosts economic growth, meets skill shortages, and helps create a more dynamic society.

Evidence clearly shows that immigrants provide significant economic benefits. However, there are local and short-term economic and social costs. As with debates on trade, where protectionist instincts tend to overwhelm the longer term need for more open societies, the core role that immigrants play in economic development is often overwhelmed by defensive measures to keep immigrants out. A solution needs to be found through policies that allow the benefits to compensate for the losses.

Around the world, there are an estimated 230 million migrants, making up about 3% of the global population. This share has not changed much in the past 100 years. But as the world’s population has quadrupled, so too has the number of migrants. And since the early 1900s, the number of countries has increased from 50 to over 200. More borders mean more migrants. ".....

Please, goto the link to read the rest of the article.....

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/how-immigration-has-changed-the-world-for-the-better/

One of the major cause of migration in Bangladesh is political unreast, so need a peace full environment.

Cannot deport millions of people, most of whom are hardworking and living quiet, orderly lives. There is a logical, fair and reasonable resolution to this conundrum. It is to allow these people, after they have agreed to some reasonable action, either through community service or fines, to compensate for their violation of the law when they entered the country to obtain a “blue card.” This blue card would give them legal status but not citizenship.

http://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/judd-gregg/214011-opinion-how-to-solve-illegal-immigration

My country, as transit one, is very specific due to the immigrants problems. 

In 2015, the Western Balkans experienced an unprecedented movement of migrants and refugees headed towards the EU. This created a wider European challenge affecting both EU Member States and candidate countries located along their route, particularly Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Serbia's role has mainly been that of transit country; nevertheless, the migration flows have placed a humanitarian and financial strain on its asylum system. In a dynamic situation, lacking a coordinated EU approach countries have resorted to unilateral actions (such as introducing border controls and erecting fences) and tensions with neighbours have spiked. Serbia has thus had to adopt short-term measures to respond as best as it can. Following the EU-Turkey deal in March 2016, asylum applications in Serbia increased, creating an additional burden. Despite Serbia's less advanced asylum system, limited institutional and accommodation capacity and reported cases of human rights abuses, its open borders policy, political discourse and overall handling of the crisis have largely been considered positive. In the context of this crisis, Serbia, an EU candidate country since 2012, has acted as an EU partner committed to cooperation and regional stability. The EU has been providing it with technical, humanitarian and financial support, and has commended its positive approach. In July 2016, negotiations on Chapter 24 (which includes asylum and migration) were opened. In the common negotiating position, the EU defined Serbia as a key partner in finding a sustainable solution to the migrant crisis. To meet EU standards in the context of its accession talks and prepare adequately for future challenges, Serbia has to carry out migration and asylum-related reforms and increase its reception capacity. The challenge for the EU is to forge a coordinated approach focused on longer-term goals, taking into account the strategic importance of the region's stability and security, crucial for the EU's own...

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2016)589819

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

Please, see.....

Hazim, very intense, but very true. Certainly, economics, while a driver, stands well behind fear of personal and social oblivion.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"Immigration in the European Union: problem or solution?

BEN HALL, CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN REFORM, LONDON

The number of asylum seekers is rising sharply across the European Union. Given the EU’s ageing population, is a return to selective immigration inevitable? 

Europe’s history has been shaped by migration. For centuries, merchants, craftsmen and intellectuals crossed the continent to practice their trades or start new lives. Millions emigrated from Europe, first to the colonies and later to the Americas and the Antipodes. Europe also has a long history of forced migration: from the expulsion of the Jews from Spain to the population shifts in southeast Europe caused by the many wars between the Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires.

Large-scale immigration into western Europe is more recent. From 1960 to 1973, the number of foreign workers in western Europe doubled from 3 to 6% of the workforce. It was highest in places like the UK and France, with relatively open access for citizens of their former colonies; in Germany, too, the number of foreigners (nearly half Turks) rose 4m in the 25 years after 1960, although they seldom became citizens. But primary immigration into Europe – driven by labour needs – all but ended with the oil crisis of 1973. The foreign-born population has continued to grow, not least because most countries still issue tens of thousands of residence permits each year for the purposes of family reunification (nearly 80% of the 58,700 people accepted for permanent settlement in the UK in 1997 were wives and children). EU countries also issue thousands of work permits each year. In Britain in 1997, nearly half of the 54,000 permits went to Americans and Japanese mainly in highly skilled jobs; elsewhere in Europe the permits often go to seasonal farm workers. But the proportion of foreign-born residents in the EU remains low, ranging from 9% in Austria, Belgium and Germany, to under 2% in Spain. "....

Please, goto the link to read the rest of the article....

http://oecdobserver.org/news/archivestory.php/aid/337/Immigration_in_the_European_Union:_problem_or_solution_.html

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

A very interesting article related to the thread that entitled:

"The Real Problems Of Migration And Work And How To Solve Them.

by Frank Hoffer" is attached. 

Please, goto the link for more details....

https://www.socialeurope.eu/2014/04/migration-and-work/

Hi all

I agree with most previous opinions specifically those that calls for giving the migrant the citizenship. In USA,  it is natural thing to consider them as citizens because it is originally a collection of people from different backgrounds. 

Liqaa 

Immigration will stop being a problem, if politics is out of the question and if the Humane factor is bigger.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"The Real Problem with Immigration... and the Real Solution

Kirk Johnson and Tim Kane

SUMMARY

The century of globalization will see America either descend into timid isolation or affirm its openness. Throughout history, great nations have declined because they built up walls of insularity, but America has been the exception for over a century. It would be a tragedy if America were to turn toward a false sense of security just when China is ascending with openness, Western Europe is declining into isolation, and the real solution is so obvious from our own American heritage.".....

Please, refer to the attached link for the full report .....

http://www.heritage.org/immigration/report/the-real-problem-immigration-and-the-real-solution

I do predict that there is no sustainable and universal solution to immigration. It will always exist, as it was up to nowadays. It would be nice that reasons like wars and crimes disappear, so that we have immigrants in terms of education, economy... 

I do not like borders!

Dear @Hazim, me and @Andreas have discussed this article which I have contributed on May 9, 2017.

I am not sure what exactly is meant by "...that reasons like wars and crimes disappear, so that we have immigrants in terms of education, economy..." but make an educated guess. Thus, conclude that indeed if those DO disappear, then people would NOT leave their home country permanently.  When people have education in a well-to-do economy, why leave your home?  Based on my experience, personal as well as professional, (in a very diverse city considered one that welcomes all immigrants) people want to stay in their home country and can and will be loyal and patriotic.  it is precisely "wars, crimes " and poor economy, lack of opportunity for education (what else??) that they emigrate to another.

Regardless of the migration/immigration issue Such an idealist society ..."wars, crime and huge economical differences would disappear " has never existed and never will-- ----human nature

Dear @Mary-Helen, let me define my previous answer more precisely. When I say immigration in terms of education, economy..., I have had in mind "temporary" immigration. For example, I went to US for graduate study, and I have came back to my native country. Second, many people have left Yugoslavia (Serbia) for economical reasons. They did not have a job in their native country. I am afraid that now we have 3-4 generations of immigrants in Europe, US, Canada, Australia... 

Third, we do have a new sort of temporary immigrants, thousands of them, the best students who leave their country for better education. They get scholarship from the most famous Universities. Some of them come back after, but many of them not. 

Temporary is not immigration, as the very definition of "immigrate' is for permanent residence: Immigrate: verb (used without object), immigrated, immigrating.1.to come to a country of which one is not a native, usually for permanent residence. And such is recognized for legal status, as someone who comes to a country for any temporary purpose, education or work has a different status (e.g. student visa work visa) that defines/specifies that temporary status vs the legality of someone who intends to stay in the country.  

Last, immigration is the topic of "solutions" and problems of the question here: What are some realistic solutions to immigration? 

Fine-- are you keeping up with today's world news?  I am a pragmatist and given the hundreds of yeas of war and crimes and poverty- since the beginning of time, for every improvement there is a bigger negative development.  I am not alone, the world is not full of idealists and agreement in numbers of one sole webpage, to me, the pragmatist, does not make for a future perfect society, it means nothing more than there are many idealist son this question on this webpage. . Idealism is just that and will never be reality.  So let's just agree to disagree. Neither of us is going to change the other's world-life view.

Dear @Mary-Helen, there are millions of immigrants without status of permanent residents!!!

Yes I know so what? what's your point?  "permanent resident" can be a legal term, as it is here in the states, The word 'permanent " on its  own just refers to someone that will, in this case, in a country other than their own for the rest of their lives whether they have a legal status or not. In other words, just because someone is NOT legally a "permanent resident" does not  mean they are not "permanent" or  that they will return to their home country,  

That much should be clear.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"Piccolo: My solution to the immigration problem

By: John Piccolo

This plan has nothing to do with terrorism or any ethnic group. It is a realistic and logically correct immigration policy for the 21st century.

The purpose of the original mass immigration of the 1800-1900’s was to help a growing country build an infrastructure and fill the industrial requirements for employees. Workers from all countries with skills from janitor to scientist were needed.

The saying, “This country was built by immigrants,” is true. Built, is the operative word. Immigrants came for work and to become Americans. Many with hopes of giving their children the American dream.

As an example, my immigrant parents lived their whole life in a Brooklyn apartment. Yet, all seven children acquired cars and homes. There were strict credit requirements for home ownership in those days.".....

Please, goto the attached website to read the rest of the article....

http://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/2017/02/02/piccolo-my-solution-immigration-problem/97394572/

That is hardly a solution for immigration and contains biased political propagandas statements. it is merely an opinion piece and offers noting in the way of solutions. Whatsmore, there a errors of fact and no sources.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"How To Solve The Illegal Immigration Mess Without Deportations

 By: JASON RESSLER

Illegal immigration is the most misunderstood problem in America. It has become a symbolic battleground for both parties’ professed philosophies rather than a multi-leveled issue that is undermining America’s economy and social fabric. While there may be a level of hypocrisy involved in some quarters, I take a more positive view of most politicians and the electorate and believe the inability to find answers to illegal immigration are because of good intentions. But there is a solution: economic enticements.

Illegal immigration is a complex issue for everyone because we are a country of immigrants, but with little public debate or oversight into the inconsistent rules, reasons and choices for our current government policies regarding any kind of immigration, it’s hard to form a basis for judging illegal ones. Further, in most cases illegal immigrants deserve our sympathy, and even vehement opponents of illegal immigration seem to understand this. Then there is the hard economics, as there are currently huge parts of the American economy that cannot function profitably without illegal immigrants."......

Please, goto the website link to read the rest of the article....

http://dailycaller.com/2016/04/28/how-to-solve-the-illegal-immigration-mess-without-deportations/

With more than 100 million people forcibly displaced around the globe, higher education can play an important role in helping these individuals rebuild their lives and contribute to societies in their new host countries. Our latest spotlight collection explores the different ways institutions can assist refugee students and academics to continue and complete their studies...

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/spotlight/what-universities-can-do-assist-refugees?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial-daily

yes

I believe strongly in this! Certainly, helping people who may already have skills (such as medical or other professional training) acculturate to the new society in which they must find themselves, would seem to best-benefit both the immigrant and her/his new country. To NOT do so, especially for long periods of time, to me, seems like a great squandering of human potential. In the history of the United States, the tax-paid provision of public education to immigrant children has been the single greatest tool to helping immigrant parents learn English!