Immigration Preface

For decades now the Democrats and Republicans have been debating "immigration reform" and gotten nothing done, or made stupid policies that have actually made the problem worse.

 I guess I need to preface what I'm about to say with an explanation of where I'm coming from. Living in Texas, and having worked around the construction industry I know illegal immigrants.

 - I know illegals who left their country after their husband/father was killed in civil war, and the family separated and came here illegally to keep from starving.
 - I know people who (after coming here illegally) joined the military and have done multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and were injured in service of their country.
 - I know illegals who show up on time, and sober to back breaking, hot, construction jobs.
 - I know owners of construction companies that would rather hire an American citizen, but can't find one that will show up on time and sober to put in an honest day's work for a competitive wage.
 - I know (personally, off the top of my head) at least five U.S. citizens (not retired) that have various excuses why they can't work (none fit the stereotypical profile of an inner city druggie with 7 "welfare kids"). - I don't know any illegals who are receiving "government handouts".
 - I have seen "MS13" (a Central American gang) "tagging" in vacant houses not a mile from where I live... the bad ones are here too, I guess they just aren't inclined to introduce themselves to someone like me. So I write from that perspective.

 Republican stance on immigration (as I understand it): "Build a wall and keep them out, no compromise!" My issue with that idea:
 - Korea has been divided by a DMZ (demilitarized zone) since 1953, it is 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, and guarded by the best technology $Billions$ can buy... people cross it, routinely.
 - Berlin wall was 12 feet high, 4 feet thick, and about 100 miles long... it had dogs, 116 watchtowers, and 20 bunkers manned with guards with orders to shoot to kill. Over 5,000 people successfully defected to West Berlin (documented).
 - The U.S. / Mexican border is 1,954 miles long, and we have a free trade agreement with Mexico (NAFTA signed into law by George H.W. Bush 41), as opposed to the "nothing gets in/out of the other examples. Even if we spent trillions and built one long Army post along the border, we undoubtedly would write "rules of engagement" (like we do in war zones) that would make the expense completely impotent. 

Democrat ?ideas? on immigration - I have to admit ignorance to an extent, they aren't as noisy on the subject. (my comments in **) - "Let everyone in, citizenship and amnesty for all" - *Even the drug dealers and gang bangers? You must be joking.*

 So what is my "King of America" idea on this one?