In much the same way that Senator Marco Rubio helped Florida get back on track by turning to the citizens for answers in his book, “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future”, he appears to have a plan for solving our malfunctioning U.S. Immigration process.  Rubio recently wrote an Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Marco Rubio: The Immigration Reform Opportunity.”  In this piece, he clearly identifies the issue, he explains his process, and forecasts a result.  I completely agree with the direction he’s headed.

Rubio seems to be approaching this difficult problem with the nation’s best interests in mind.  We don’t have to make a false choice between throwing them all our and amnesty.  The answer might be offering “them an opportunity for legalization and, potentially, permanent residence and citizenship…” as Rubio puts it.  He goes on to detail how there will be fines, and background checks, and no federal benefits for these folks while they’re in line.  He’s attacking portions of this issue that have never been addressed and he’s proposing solutions while inviting discussion and debate to make it better.

Rubio knows that this is a matter of national security.  He realizes that this is not just an immigration issue, but also a crime control issue and an economic health issue.  He points out that the legislation welcomes debate, but also points out that killing the legislation without offering a solution leaves us in the hands of an Obama administration, that up until now has been completely unwilling to reform illegal immigration in this country.

The “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013” is not an amnesty bill.  It clearly sets out guidelines that must be followed, penalties that must be paid, and cuts off federal benefits.  It lays out a rigorous process for gaining legal status.

Rubio is not a politician looking to score points; he is a leader looking for support and consensus on what to do about an issue that threatens the future of this country.

This immigration reform opportunity is simply that.  It’s an opportunity for people to come forward and play by the rules of our immigration process.  It’s a real solution to a real problem.