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Many Americans are upset by the decision of President Obama to issue an executive order to reform immigration policy. The executive order effectively grants undocumented immigrants the legal right to remain in the United States if they have been here five years and are parents, children, or spouses of citizens or of legal residents. The president says that he did this because Congress has not passed an immigration reform bill.

Obamas impatience with Congress on immigration reform is understandable. Government has allowed millions of immigrants to remain in the United States even though they are violating the law by being here. Since it costs about $23,000 to deport an undocumented immigrant, it would be fiscally irresponsible to try to deport a significant percentage of them. Thus, we need to reform immigration policy so that we have a law that we can afford to enforce.

Opponents of the presidents executive order are concerned that it effectively grants amnesty to immigrants who have violated immigration law, thereby undermining the rule of law.

Something is fundamentally wrong when one federal law makes it illegal to hire undocumented immigrants while other laws prohibit firms from considering an applicants nationality, citizenship, or immigration status in hiring decisions. Although talking tough on immigration may win some conservative votes, deporting any substantial number of those here illegally is not a viable alternative. Letting immigrants come or stay if firms are willing to hire them as guest workers could contribute to economic growth, increased tax revenue, and a reduction in government debt.

The most important drawback to welcoming immigrants is the cost of government services that some of them use. The opportunity to work need not be connected to the right to government benefits and if it is, immigrants could be required to pay a fee to reside in the United States. Requiring payment of an additional fee to account for their prior undocumented status might be a good way to provide a path to citizenship or permanent residence for those who are already here.

Then America could again become the land of opportunity that it once was.

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Dr. Tracy Miller is an associate professor of economics at Grove City College and fellow for economic theory and policy with The Center for Vision & Values.

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Immigration reform needs scrutiny