Community Pulse: What should be done about illegal immigrants?

What best characterizes your view about illegal immigrants working in the U.S. 1) Allow them to stay in their jobs and apply for U.S. citizenship, or 2) Stay in their jobs, but only as temporary guest workers and not be allowed to apply for U.S. citizenship, or 3) They should be required to leave their jobs and leave the U.S.

• Tough choice, but I’ll take #2. Although everyone entering the United States should do so legally, if someone is already here and has a job (and probably a family), let them keep their job, but with a set time by which  they must get their citizenship.
• None of the above. I prefer a combination of 1 and 2: Allow them to stay in their jobs under a valid temporary work permit but be allowed to apply for U.S. citizenship. If the temporary permit expires, they must reapply or leave. 
• Stay in their jobs as guest workers. They often work at jobs that tried and true Americans are unwilling to take on, and they do it gratefully.
• Mt 25: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Number 1 is my chosen solution.
• Requiring all illegal immigrants to leave is not practical, so systems need to be put in place to stop the flow and allow those who want to become U.S. citizens to do so. But all those who commit felonius crimes should be deported without exception – option No. 1.
• Within the context of time in the country and whether they have been in any legal trouble: 1) Allow them to stay in their jobs and apply for U.S. citizenship.
• Combination of all 3! 1 for people who have lived here a specific amount of years or longer – and are citizens in good standing – who have contributed to society. 2 for people who only work here and send money home and don’t participate in society but have no criminal record. 3 for anyone with a criminal record, especially convictions and multiple DUI offenses. But … if I have to pick one: 2
• Choice #1 is the best. However, once they become citizens they will have more opportunities for work that is less difficult and better paying than agricultural slavery.
• #1.Why not allow them the chance to become legal? It’s a difficult process and should be encouraged and acknowledged. These people pay their taxes and live in fear of getting caught, which is an unhealthy way to live. Most of us can trace our lineage back to a different country except Native Americans, I’m pretty sure.