(The Way Forward Program)

Problem: The United States has an estimated population of over 15 million illegal immigrants and further estimated 19 million convicted felons. These populations consume billions of state and federal tax dollars from social, economic, and law enforcement programs. Former felons and illegal immigrants who could be paying taxes are instead taking up a large share of federal and state budgets because there is no clear path to redemption. The United States Constitution provides for certain rights to be suspended through due process. Shouldn't the same due process provide for a clear path to restoration of those rights and clean status under the law? 

Proposed Solution: To institute on the federal level a self funded, clear path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and a road to redemption and reemergence into society for former felons. This would be accomplished through a structured program public service and paying dues allowing both immigrants and former felons a way to participate in society and earn a clean, law abiding citizenship status.

Administration and Funding: The proposed program would be administered by FEMA in conjunction with the existing National Guard in all 50 states. Eligible participants would be assigned to special units within the National Guard and pay $100 per month for membership. If out of the current estimated potential population of 34,000,000 for membership, 10,000,000 did sign up that would be $ 1,000,000,000 per month in self funding for the program. 

Immigrants would receive a Red Immigration Card upon admission and be eligible for a Green Card after 3 years of good conduct. Former felons would be eligible for restoration of voting rights and privatizing of the public record after 3 years good conduct. After 6 years of good conduct and paying dues immigrants would be eligible for the citizen ship test . Former felons would be eligible for the expungement of their record and firearms rights restored.

Member Duties: Both immigrants and former felons would participate in a 16 week training program covering the basics of emergency medical aid, firefighting, search and rescue in lieu of regular boot camp to aid in responding to national emergencies like floods, forest fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc. Those not physically able to complete the above training because of age or medical conditions, would be deployed to help with passing out supplies to survivors, and help with cleanup and rebuilding efforts. When no emergencies are present all members would participate in weekend MOS related job training in skills such as motor pool mechanics, construction/engineering, aircraft maintenance, and other areas of non-classified job related programs available. Working with a national program like Job Corps the program could offer members to further purchase additional training and earn professional certification as one could in a vocational school.

Eligibility: Former felons who have completely finished their sentences including probation and parole and have had no other convictions in the 3 years prior to application and immigrants with no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions in the Unites States would be eligible.

Intended Program Outcome: Millions of new law abiding, taxpaying, citizens who are involved and contributing to society instead of costing billions of dollars in taxes every year. Also studies have shown that with structured support and hope for for a clear reintroduction to society, recidivism rates among convicted felons could be greatly reduced.