As a deterrent, from this point on if someone is caught crossing the border illegally, they should be banned for life from ever being allowed legal citizenship in the US

As the title says, this would be a great deterrent. During the last administration that was super lenient on who they granted “asylum”. It created an issue where they knew our borders and policies were weak. So swathes of people just piled over knowing they could just say they’re seeking asylum if they got caught.

Sure people will still try, but we can make it known that if you’re caught crossing illegally, your identity will be documented and you will never be granted legal citizenship for breaking a very basic law from the beginning.

On the backside of this, we can reallocate the funds and personnel from the current cutbacks to make our legal immigration system more efficient, faster, and properly vet people before they’re allowed citizenship. Still keep border strength up. And try to funnel more people to actually doing it the legal way rather than hopping the border.

I’m not sure why so many people on the left are so defensive about illegal immigration. Saying “well this is a nation started by immigrants” is such a lazy response. It also isn’t the 1700’s anymore. Name one modern day developed first world country that greatly benefits from illegal immigration. You couldn’t.

There’s nothing wrong with having a strong border. You also need to have strict rules on who you let in. Look at what’s happened in the EU with how relaxed they were with granting people from the Middle East asylum.