Arizona native here,
Scatterbrain....100% agree. Three times I remember in the past I heard the big noise made to hold the companies accountable for hiring illegals. The noise came when the economy was doing poorly and when things were O.K. the enforcement seemed to just go away. The companies primarily being agriculture....construction....and a mix of other low paying jobs. Some of these companies abused them badly, to the point that we needed a policy of verifying that they were paid before deporting them as the "tip" received by authorities would come just before they were paid. What some companies get away with is just wrong which ever side of the border you are from.
What message are we sending these people? As long as we can make money from you we'll look the other way but if times get tough you're a parasite and must go? I have known many and sympathize. The law needs to be enforced fairly and not in an on-again off-again fashion IMHO. The borders should be closed, criminals dealt with harshly, and a good system to provide those that want legitimate work that is available to do so legally. Most of all a "we will not tolerate your criminal actions" In regard to companies that will not obey the law. I think this would better for everyone.
Dave