The 1986 laws enacted harsh penalties on employers who do not comply with our Immigration Laws. Aliens who commit crimes here have lost almost all sympathy under our laws. We are not just talking about murderers and rapists - the scum no one wants. We are talking about violations that occurred 10 or 15 years ago, were done when they were younger and more reckless. Some of these people have been rehabilitated, cleaned up their act, and have extenuating circumstances.
Retroactive application is harsh.
But aliens who violate our laws, or abuse them, will no longer be tolerated. We are a smaller haven for asylum. Since the Pilgrims and Quakers of the 17th century, the American Revolutionists of the 18th century, and those fleeing Communism in the 20th century know, immigrants have religious and political persecution abroad. We are slowing moving away from that. Now, you land at JFK, and you are interviewed at the airport.