Mickey Kaus draws the immigration analogy to Windows updates; he argues that those of you lucky enough to have skipped Vista should hold off on Windows 7 until Microsoft can actually demonstrate that it works. By the same token:

Maybe fancy new employer-based verification systems and “biometric” identifiers (and “virtual” border fencing) really will survive ACLU challenge and then actually function effectively keep out illegal immigrants. But we were given similar assurances in 1986. It didn’t happen. Better to wait and maker sure the new high-tech enforcement mechanisms work before we take the plunge with the proven illegal-immigrant lure of an amnesty, no?

Actually, since Congress has passed seven amnesties since 1986, and this latest foray will be the third try (counting 2006 and 2007), maybe Senator Schumer’s bill (now set to be introduced in late January) should be called Amnesty 8.3 Senate Edition.