Crunch time on illegal immigration--that is the subject of this evening's "Talking Points" Memo.

There is a civil war brewing in this country between the forces that want open borders, no restrictions on who enters the USA, and those of us who are demanding that the federal government stop millions of people from illegally entering America.

Now, over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of pro-illegal immigrant demonstrators took to the streets of Los Angeles and Denver, saying no to tough enforcement of immigration laws and demanding the USA grant them concessions.

It's clear by this display that millions of Americans support a so-called humane approach to the illegal problem, including amnesty and full benefits for illegals already here.

On the other side are millions of Americans who say no to amnesty and no to the continuing border chaos. Thus, you have a very intense difference of opinion.

Overwhelmingly, the American media favor a "comprehensive approach" to the problem. That means little punitive action. Writing in The New York Times today, far-left columnist Paul Krugman summed that position up: "Basic decency requires that we provide immigrants, once they're here, with essential health care, education for their children, and more."

Krugman and many on the left are big on those carrots, but short on any sticks. They reject tough enforcement of immigration law.

But there is a solution that carries both a stick and a carrot. One, immediately move the National Guard to the border to back up the border patrol. If this is done, there's no need for a $1 billion wall. Illegal crossings would decline drastically.

Two, detain anyone caught trying to cross the border illegally and deport them ASAP. No more catch and release.

Three, inform businesses that hiring illegal workers will lead to expensive fines first time, prison time for employers second time.

Four, allow those illegals already in the USA to register as foreign residents without fear of reprisal. An illegal would have 60 days to do that. Failure to register would be a felony with mandatory prison time.

Five, once the foreign resident is registered, he or she would be issued temporary working papers and would have to pay a $3,000 fine for breaking the immigration law. The money would be deducted from paychecks over a three-year period.

Six, after three years, that foreign resident could apply for citizenship, but such a privilege would not be guaranteed. The applicants would take their place in line behind those who have obeyed the immigration rules.

Seven, a legal guest worker program would be set up to meet the needs of businesses. Foreign countries could send a list of applicants and a pool would be formed.

And finally, any immigrant evading taxes in the USA would be immediately deported. So there you have it. A comprehensive plan to stop the madness, but Congress is not going to do it.

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment that would allow Americans to provide care for illegal aliens while adding more border patrol agents. Same old, same old. Not going to solve the problem. And that's the Memo.