National Immigration



National Immigration

Introduction

There are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living and working in the United States. Their presence signals the intense demand for labor in the country, as well as the ineffectiveness of policies for regulating the flow of people across U.S. borders. U.S. legislators are nearing action on a raft of proposals for dealing with the situation, ranging from building barriers and tightening border security to instituting guest-worker programs and amnesty. Debate has intensified during this election year, causing divisions within political parties and between groups usually allied on other causes. (Levinson Ember 2008)

The National Immigration Debate

Contentious and deeply divided, experts say. Public opinion polls show most Americans are in favor of strong punitive measures to prevent and/or reduce illegal immigration. However, business leaders, policy experts, and politicians—including President Bush—have proposed amnesty programs and other measures that will not cut off what they call a necessary flow of labor into the United States. There's a big gap between the elites and the American general public on how to handle immigration, says Joseph Chamie, director of research at the Center for Migration Studies. Immigration is a political hot potato in an election year, he says. It's a lose-lose situation for politicians. (Lowe 2010)

Current Immigration Proposals Before The Senate

There are several currently being considered. They include:

The McCain-Kennedy proposal. The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act was sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), with support from several key congressmen. The proposal would: (Mohl 2009 pp. 243-274)

Grant three-year, renewable work visas to illegal immigrants for a $1000 fee.

After six years of working legally, immigrants can pay another $1000 and apply for permanent work status if they haven't broken any laws and have studied English.

Potential immigrants could apply for a $500 work visa if they can prove there is a job waiting for them.

The Cornyn-Kyl proposal.The Comprehensive Enforcement and Immigration Reform Act , sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ), states that:

Illegal immigrants can work in the United States for two years and then are required to go home for one year. After that, they have the option of coming back as temporary workers or on permanent visas.

A guest-worker program for new immigrants would be set up. Those in it would have to go home every two years for at least one year and would not be able to apply for citizenship.

Companies that continue to employ illegal immigrants would be fined.

The Specter proposal. A compromise proposal from Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter would: (Rumbaut 2009 pp. 583-621)

Allow a three-year renewable guest-worker program with a six-year limit and no route to permanent legal status. Workers would have to be sponsored by employers who verify they tried to hire U.S. workers first.

Allow immigrants who arrived before January 4, 2004, to be grandfathered into eligibility for permanent legal status.

Make it a crime to be illegal or harbor an illegal immigrant.

Require employers to verify the legality of new employees.

Make sure illegal immigrants applying for green ...