There are an estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States. I may have a solution to this problem.

I propose that those men and women who have served honorably in the armed forces be given an immediate citizenship.

All who have been in this country for 20 or more years, who are employed or own a business be sworn immediately.

The people who have been here illegally for 10 to 20 years should be permitted to sign up for citizenship during the next two years.

The people who have been here five to 10 years will be required to register in two years.

Finally, those who have been here up to five years will be required to fill out their papers to become citizens within the next two years.

The applications are to staggered over six years so that the volume is not too great to be handled by the immigration bureau.

All are required to sign a pledge of allegiance to the USA, be fingerprinted for a background check if 16 or older, have their picture taken by a local police department and get a Social Security card, paying taxes the following year. More money for the Treasury.

No penalties will be put on those who have been working under the table. No employer will be punished for having illegal employees as long as they are treated like legal citizens.

This is my proposal to solve the illegal immigration problem.

John Kronenberger

Belleville