which would motivate them to support some sort of worker visa program (likely with exemptions from federal minimum wage, but it's still progress). - 1pg

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Agree, that is a practical, and reasonable approach to the migrant worker issue. But timing wise, it should be added to the list of proposed reforms, some call "comprehensive immigration reform". The problems arise when boarder security is commingled with immigration reform. They are different thing but you cannot have reforms without effective security. Otherwise, rules whatever they are or may become, cannot be enforced.

Ultimately every present day illegal alien will be deported or will have obtained some sort of legal status that grants them the privilege of being here either temporarily with enforced end dates or on a permanent status short of actual citizenship.

But first things first, close the border. Lets avoid the "somebody will always get in" diversion. Put it this way, 99% of would be entrants are stopped at the border, and actually vetted no matter how long it takes (the applicant always has the option of voluntarily leaving whenever they want to, the good ol' USA will even buy you a plane ticket).

Regarding the 1% that get through (present day gottaways). I have every confidence Honan will track down most of them. There still will remain a few that can't be located but these types will sooner or later surface when they are arrested for other crimes their lifestyle demands.

The point is border security is a national security risk and a crime problem rolled into one. By securing the border first, the public will see immediate benefit and become more supportive of reforms later when they know that criteria for entrance are enforceable. How will they know? They see it, every day in some fashion, with their own eyes (that is if they watch Fox News, MSNBC not so much, sorry, couldn't help myself)