Fixing our Broken Immgration System, Senate Bill S. 744 Addresses Business Priorities - May 20, 2013
Immigration Reform: Fuel for an Idle Economy - May 17, 2013
by Nick Schulz
With the U.S. economy continuing to be stuck in idle and unemployment trapped at alarmingly high levels, it’s a good time to look for game changers—events, policies, and people that might significantly disrupt the status quo and propel the American economy forward.
To unearth those game changers, it helps to consider some of the nation’s history as a guide. As with earlier disruptive periods in America’s long-unfolding economic story, the game changers often come from beyond our shores. Simply put, we need to bring more of the world’s most talented people to the United States.
Click here to read more.
Immigration reform a boon for business - May 14, 2013
by Mark Segal, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The drive for comprehensive immigration reform is built around three interdependent pillars: economic growth, quality of life and justice. Sensible immigration policy has been a cornerstone of the United States’ growth and success. Unfortunately, our current immigration system is broken.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce seeks to make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America. Through a vibrant economy, we build a stronger community. And that requires immigration reform. We want to make it easier for businesses to hire qualified workers, in part by creating a viable path to citizenship.
Read more on ChicagoTribune.com
Compete America Releases Two New Studies - May 13, 2013
- Talent, Immigration, and U.S. Economic Competitiveness Executive Summary
- Facts and Fallacies about High-Skilled Immigration
and the American Economy
Eight problems with the Heritage immigration cost estimate - May 9, 2013
On Monday the Heritage Foundation released a paper, The Fiscal Cost of Unlawful Immigrants and Amnesty to the U.S. Taxpayer. Along with Heritage’s new director Jim DeMint, the study’s senior author, Robert Rector, also published a Washington Post op-ed titled, “What amnesty for illegal immigrants will cost America.”
The key substantive point of the paper and op-ed is a $6.3 trillion number:
An exhaustive study by the Heritage Foundation has found that after amnesty, current unlawful immigrants would receive $9.4 trillion in government benefits and services and pay more than $3 trillion in taxes over their lifetimes. That leaves a net fiscal deficit (benefits minus taxes) of $6.3 trillion.I expect making 8-9 million people here illegally into U.S. citizens would increase future deficits once these people are eligible for benefits. But there are so many problems with the Heritage study that this $6.3 trillion number is useless for making policy decisions. It might as well be plucked out of thin air.
Click here to read more.
The Magically Vanishing Slice of Pie: Shockingly Bad Methods behind the Heritage Foundation’s Estimates of the Fiscal Costs of Unauthorized Immigration - May 7, 2013
Robert Rector and Jason Richwine of the Heritage Foundation have written a report claiming that regularizing unauthorized immigrants in the United States will cost American taxpayers trillions of dollars. Neither Rector nor Richwine are trained economists and the methods that they use to arrive at this number are not economic analysis.
There is widespread condemnation of Rector and Richwine’s work across Washington. Conservative analysts, in fact, have been the loudest in slamming Rector and Richwine’s inferior methods. When theAmerican Action Forum, Americans for Tax Reform, the Cato Institute, and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) are roundly trashing Rector’s methods, the problem is not Rector’s politics; it’s his methods.
Additional H-1B Workers Would Add Billions to GDP and Federal Tax Revenue - May 7, 2013
Our inaugural post estimates the economic and budgetary effects of one part of the Senate Gang of Eight’s proposed immigration reform. It shows that increasing the caps on H-1B visas leads to non-trivial economic and fiscal effects, at least partially offsetting worries over the cost of immigration reform in the next ten years.
Initial estimates put the appropriations cost of the Senate Gang of Eight’s immigration bill (S. 744) at about $17 billion over ten years, leading at least a few politicians to cite cost as a potential reason to oppose its passage. But as Senator Rubio and others have pointed out, that cost does not include the economic benefits and tax revenue that would come from future immigrants. One group in particular, new H-1B visa workers, would add an estimated $456 billion to GDP and $113 billion to federal tax revenue over the next ten years. $244 billion of that increase in GDP would accrue to current US citizens and residents, with the rest going to the new H-1B workers.Read more on AdvancingAFreeSociety.org
Let's Cut Benefits, Not Immigration - May 7, 2013
by Diana Furchtgott-Roth
A misleading Heritage Foundation report by economists Robert Rector and Jason Richwine concludes that legalizing undocumented workers will cost America $6.3 trillion over the immigrants' lifetimes.
The report is deceptive because it assumes, contrary to empirical evidence, no increased economic efficiency from immigration and no economic mobility. It doesn't discuss numerous benefits to national security from legalizing and making it easier to track America's11 million undocumented workers.
Read more on RealClearMarkets.com
Illinois, and the Nation, Needs Comprehensive, Common Sense Immigration Reform - May 1, 2013
by Doug Whitley, President and CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
A group of bi-partisan leaders of the Illinois business, civic and education communities have joined together to form the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) to urge Congress to pass common sense immigration reform.
The core group of business and civic leaders that launched this effort included: Hon. Jim Edgar, Former Governor, State of Illinois, Samuel C. Scott III, former CEO, Corn Products International, Inc. & Chairman of Chicago Sister Cities International Program, Doug Oberhelman, Chairman & CEO, Caterpillar, Inc., Greg Brown, Chairman & CEO Motorola Solutions, John Rowe, Chairman Emeritus, Exelon Corporation, John Anderson, President, IIT, Robert Easter, President, University of Illinois, Billy Lawless, Owner, The Gage and Henri & Past Chair, Illinois Restaurant Association, Mark Segal, President and CEO, The Habitat Company; Chair, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, Dave Bender, Executive Director, American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, Omar Duque, President & CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sam Toia, President, Illinois Restaurant Association, Raul Raymundo, CEO, The Resurrection Project, Lawrence Benito, CEO/Executive Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Father Brendan Curran, Catholic Businesses for Immigration Reform.
The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition was formed with the goal of securing 300 CEOs and business owners and enlisting the support of 1000 Illinois businesses to speak to their Congressmen about the significance of adopting immigration reforms this year. The objective is to enlist the support of Illinois' Congressional Delegation to adopt common sense immigration reform to support Illinois' economic recovery, provide Illinois companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and promote the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs and citizens.
Click here to read more.
Reforming Immigration for a Better America
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Immigration Summit
April 26, 2013
Click here for the live webcast of the event
Click here to view Reforming Immigration for a Better America, Remarks by Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Check out the Key Findings in a National Immigration Poll Commissioned by Americans for Tax Reform, National Immigration Forum, and Partnership for a New American Economy - April 25, 2013
Click here for the poll.
Click here for the key findings.
Immigration Reform is a No-Brainer to Help the Economy - April 24, 2013
by Grover Norquist
People are an asset, not a liability. The United States is the most immigrant-friendly nation in the world and the richest country in the world. This is not a coincidence. Those voices that would make us less immigrant-friendly would make us less successful, less prosperous, and certainly less American.
Today, some 11 million "undocumented workers" live in the shadows in the United States. Sixty percent of them crossed the Mexican border or the Canadian border without government approval and 40% arrived by plane and overstayed their visas.
Gwinnett Chamber Endorses Federal Immigration Overhaul - April 22, 2013
The Gwinnett Chamber’s board of directors passed a resolution this month, endorsing federal legislation that would provide a “path out of the shadows” for the estimated 11 million immigrants living illegally in the United States.
The chamber’s resolution doesn’t mention offering them U.S. citizenship, but that is one of the key provisions in the legislation introduced last week by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators.
Such immigrants would need to meet “strict conditions, such as paying civil penalties and back taxes and learning English” before they could benefit from the path out of the shadows, according to the chamber’s resolution.
The resolution also supports an immigration overhaul that would boost border security, develop visa programs for higher- and lower-skilled foreign workers and create a new federal work authorization program.
Economy Needs Immigration Reform - April 22, 2013
by Bob Linscheid, President & CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
Congress is busy working on an immigration overhaul that, if passed, would usher in the most dramatic changes to the nation’s immigration system in more than two decades. While much of the focus and attention is on issues of border security, enforcement and pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the legislative overhaul now in progress presents an opportunity to advance issues important to the business community.
One key issue facing businesses in the Bay Area, and across the nation, is the inability to access top international talent, particularly in the areas of science and technology. In fact, demand for the 85,000 H-1B visas available for the upcoming year outpaced supply in the first week. As a result, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will run a random lottery to award this year’s allocation. According to the Brookings Institute, employer requests have exceeded demand every year except 2001 to 2003, when the annual cap was temporarily raised. Clearly, we need to increase the availability of temporary, skilled foreign worker visas to meet current market demand.
U.S. Chamber Expresses Support for Introduction of Comprehensive Immigration Reform - April 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue released the following statement in support of the introduction of comprehensive immigration reform legislation by the Senate Gang of Eight:
“The Chamber has long called for comprehensive immigration reform that incorporates four critical components—increased border security, expansion of temporary worker programs and employer-sponsored green cards, some type of pathway to legalization and eventual citizenship under tight criteria, and a balanced and workable employment verification system. This legislation meets these goals.
“We welcome this legislation as a critical step toward a final law that will work for our economy and for our society. There is no doubt that there will be additional input and analysis through Senate hearings and amendments, and we look forward to being part of that needed process.”
Click here to view the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act
VIDEO: Sen. Graham Says Immigration Bill Not Possible Without the U.S. Chamber - April 17, 2013
Summary of Lesser Skilled Immigration Provisions in Senate Bill - April 17, 2013
Summary of Travel and Tourism Provisions in Senate Bill - April 17, 2013
The Immigration Windfall: A new study shows the potential economic benefits of reform - April 16, 2013
The immigration debate is moving into high gear as the Senate Gang of Eight release their bipartisan reform plan this week. We'll take some time to study the details. But for today let's step back and consider the central question that's been debated since the great wave of Ellis Island immigrants a century ago: Do foreign newcomers contribute more to the economy than they cost?
Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, a reform opponent, contends that the net cost of the Senate plan "would be enormous," reaching about $40 billion a year in higher welfare, health care and other public benefits.
Read more on WSJ.com
Michigan Chamber CEO: State must encourage immigration - April 16, 2013
by Serena Maria Daniels
Michigan Chamber President and CEO Richard Studley says fixing the nation's immigration system would significantly help the state's economic standing.
As the U.S. Senate unveiled details of a comprehensive immigration reform bill on Tuesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a video with Studley saying that Michigan needs to be more encouraging to immigrants who want to help boost the state's slowing recovering economy.
"It's important that we have one strong, reasonable, national immigration policy," Studley said in the video. "There are three border crossings in Michigan, and we know how important that travel back and forth is to the economy. We have to protect our borders, but we also have to be a more welcoming society. That entrepreneurial spirit that comes with the enthusiasm, work ethic and family ties that many immigrant families have can be an extraordinary multiplier for a state's economic development."
Senators McCain, Flake Leading Way on Long-Awaited Immigration Reform - April 12, 2014
by Mary Ann Miller, President & CEO, Tempe, AZ Chamber of Commerce
I’m excited that Congress may finally take up the issue of immigration reform.
Nearly three years ago, I led an effort by chambers of commerce throughout Arizona to develop a policy on comprehensive immigration reform. Together, we went to Washington, D.C., in January 2011 to meet with congressional leaders and Arizona’s representatives to present our collective vision but were told the timing for reform wasn’t right. The policy statement was endorsed by more than 20 chambers of commerce in Arizona, representing more than 70,000 businesses employing more than 1 million people.
Last month, the chambers were joined by more than 100 other business leaders to support the immigration reform led by Arizona Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake. Let’s hope the timing is right in 2013.
State and Local Businesses and Chambers Sign on to Multi-Industry Letter Supporting Comprehensive Immigration Reform - April 11, 2013
Expanded immigration would reduce the federal deficit, some conservatives say - April 8, 2013
by Jim Tankersley
Conservative champions of opening the flow of legal immigration into the United States are invoking economics in hopes of winning Republican lawmakers’ support — specifically, the idea that more immigration will increase growth and cut the federal budget deficit.
The American Action Forum, a conservative think tank, will release an analysis on Tuesday that projects that an overhaul of immigration laws could boost gross domestic product growth by a percentage point each year over the next decade. That growth would produce tax revenue that would reduce federal deficits by a combined $2.5 trillion, according to the group’s president, the economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin.
Read More on WashingtonPost.com
A Visa Program Made for Success - April 7, 2013
by Randel Johnson, U.S. Chamber of Commerce SVP of Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits
The April 3 editorial “Mr. Rubio on the fence” called the bureau that would be part of a new worker visa program “a new government agency” and “a system that smacks of centralized planning.” Nothing could be further from the construct agreed upon by the U.S Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO.
The new bureau would be located within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency charged with adjudicating immigration benefits, and it would have limited authority. Specifically, the bureau would be responsible for analyzing and reporting on immigration. It would engage in rulemaking to allow employers seeking workers in designated occupations with shortages to get priority if the annual visa cap is met, and it would apply a formula set by Congress to raise and lower the cap between 20,000 and 200,000 visas.
Employers would not be limited to seeking foreign workers solely in occupations where shortages have been identified. In fact, employers across industries, sectors and geographies would be able to register any job opening where they have completed rigorous recruitment but have been unable to locate sufficient numbers of qualified and interested Americans.
Add your voice to the fight by signing our petition or adding your company/organization to our industry sign-on letter.
Just The Facts: Wages for a Less Skilled Work Visa Program - April 5, 2013
One sticking point in developing the parameters of a new visa program for lesser-skilled workers is the wage calculation that should control. Our position paper, developed with others in the business community, has always stated1 that wages should be determined by the well-established concept that participating workers should be paid “the greater of actual or prevailing wages”2 to ensure that wages paid to foreign workers do not adversely affect the wages of similarly situated U.S. workers. These are settled immigration principles that have worked well in the high-skilled visa program. Under this program, prevailing wage determinations are made by the Department of Labor in accordance with wage levels consistent with education, experience, and supervision, using private wage surveys as an alternative when they are the best information available. The wage levels (currently there are four levels for each occupation) are based on the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey conducted by BLS on wages paid in over 900 occupations across the nation’s 374 metropolitan statistical areas.
Heritage Immigration Study Fatally Flawed - April 4, 2013
There are indications that The Heritage Foundation may soon release an updated version of its 2007 report, “The Fiscal Cost of Low-Skill Immigrants to the U.S. Taxpayer,” by Robert Rector. That 2007 report’s flawed methodology produced a grossly exaggerated cost to federal taxpayers of legalizing unauthorized immigrants while undercounting or discounting their positive tax and economic contributions – greatly affecting the 2007 immigration reform debate.
Before releasing its updated report, I urge the Heritage Foundation to avoid the same serious errors that so undermined Mr. Rector’s 2007 study. Here is a list of some of its major errors:
U.S. Chamber’s Donohue Comments on Comprehensive Immigration Reform Efforts - April 4, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today on the Senate Gang of Eight’s efforts to achieve comprehensive immigration reform:
“We appreciate the Senate Gang of Eight’s efforts in developing a sound and workable lesser-skilled worker program. But this is just one important component of comprehensive immigration reform.
“We must move forward and resolve other critical components. As the Chamber has said before, reforms must include increased border security, improvements for the high-skilled visa category, some type of pathway to legalization and eventual citizenship under tight criteria, and a balanced and workable employment verification system.
“We will continue to work with members of both parties to enact comprehensive reform that meets the needs of our economy and our society. It's time to put politics and narrow agendas aside and do what's right for the country.”
Add your voice to the fight by signing our petition or adding your company/organization to our industry sign-on letter.
U.S. Chamber Statement Supporting Lesser-Skilled Visa Program - April 3, 2013
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits Randy Johnson issued the following statement expressing support for the new lesser-skilled visa program that has been negotiated by the Senate Gang of 8 as a part of comprehensive immigration reform:
"To eliminate any confusion on the matter, the U.S. Chamber believes the construct for a new lesser-skilled visa category that the Senate Gang of 8 has developed is the blueprint for a sound and workable program for the business community. The new W-visa classification features a streamlined process for employers to register job openings that can be filled by temporary foreign workers, while still ensuring that American workers get first crack at every job and that wages paid are the greater of actual or prevailing wage levels. Importantly, this new visa structure sets the groundwork for moving forward with other important parts of immigration reform."
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
Add your voice to the fight by signing our petition or adding your company/organization to our industry sign-on letter.
Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Immigration Letter to Senators Johnson and Baldwin - April 2, 2013
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Discusses the Importance of Immigration Reform - March 31, 2013
Tempe Chamber of Commerce Immigration Letter to Senators McCain and Flake - March 29, 2013
Launch of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) - March 29, 2013
Major Republican business leader and top Democrat to join with two hundred IL business and civic leaders to launch a new effort by Illinois business heavyweights to sign up 1,000 small businesses and 300 leading CEOs in support of immigration reform that rebuilds economy, meets business needs and provides path to legal status and citizenship.
Learn more on their website
Arizona Chamber of Commerce Releases New Immigration Poll - March 27, 2013
Sens. John McCain, Jeff Flake and fellow Gang of Eight members Sens. Chuck Schumer and Michael Bennet will be using some time during the spring congressional recess to tour the Arizona-Mexico border as part of their work to sell their comprehensive immigration reform package.
According to recent polling data, the senators have hit the sweet spot. There is broad public support for an immigration plan that strikes a balance between the country's economic and security needs.
Sen. McCain, Sen. Flake and their bipartisan coalition are on the right path. They deserve our support.
Here's the memo on the issue from the Chamber's pollster who, by the way, is one of the best in the nation.
Read more on Arizona Chamber President and CEO, Glen Hamer's blog
Here's Why One Tea Party Congressman Did A 180 And Now Supports Comprehensive Immigration Reform
by Bret LoGiurato
March 21, 2013
Coffman, who represents Colorado's 6th Congressional district, recalled two particular moments that helped move his position on immigration.
One came with a constituent who had served in the Marine Corps. He enlisted as a Canadian citizen, and was seriously wounded while serving in Afghanistan.
Coffman, who served in the U.S. Marines for nearly two years during the Iraq War, realized that his constituent shouldn't have to endure the long process to naturalization.
"Without citizenship, they're really relegated to much fewer job opportunities. They can't ever have a clearance to handle classified material. Nor can they ever become an officer," Coffman said. "So I thought that part was important."
The other moment came at that town hall meeting in Aurora, where he heard constituent after constituent talk about how family members and friends feared deportation. Coffman's district was redrawn in 2011, and his new district includes a higher percentage of Latino constituents. Coffman said hadn't seen this side of the debate before.
"Yes, they violated immigration laws," Coffman said. "But certainly, they haven't violated any criminal laws. And the reality is, they're not going to self-deport. So the question is, how do you deal with that population? And it really brought me into the middle of the immigration debate."
Read more on businessinsider.com
Path to Citizenship for Immigrants Draws Support Across Party Lines, Survey Finds
by Julia Preston
March 21, 2013
Nearly two-thirds of Americans favor giving illegal immigrants in the country an opportunity for legal status with a path to citizenship, according to a poll published Thursday by the Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institution. Support for an earned path to citizenship for those immigrants came from 71 percent of Democrats and also a majority, 53 percent, of Republicans, the poll found.
The option that drew the least support in the poll was legal residency for illegal immigrants with no path to citizenship: only 14 percent of Americans favored that approach. A larger minority, about 21 percent, said illegal immigrants should be identified by the authorities and deported.
Read more on nytimes.com
Illinois Chamber's Policy Position on Immigration Reform
March 20, 2013
The Illinois Chamber recognizes that a comprehensive approach is needed to address an immigration system which is no longer meeting the labor needs of American companies. At last week's quarterly meeting, the Illinois Chamber Board of Directors adopted the recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee. The Chamber's new board policy is based on the necessity to remain globally competitive, create a reliable verification system, secure our borders and maintain America's legacy by creating proper paths toward legalized citizenship.
As part of its review of immigration issues, the Government Affairs Committee found that there is substantial consensus between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and groups such as the Business Roundtable and National Association of Manufacturers on the priorities for employers in the coming debate over immigration reform. The Chamber's final policy position adopts with many U.S. Chamber concepts.
Click here for a pdf of the Board of Director's Immigration Policy Statement.
South Carolina Becomes Ground Zero for Immigration Reform Ad Wars
by Liz Goodwin, Yahoo! News
March 13, 2013
One of the most active states in the ad wars over immigration reform is far from the border—and doesn't even have a large population of foreign workers.
South Carolina, however, is home to two key figures in the push to legalize the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants and reform the immigration system: Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who is part of a Senate working group drafting a bill, and Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy, who heads the House's immigration subcommittee.
Graham, who could face a primary challenge when he runs for re-election in 2014, has in particular become a target of the ads. NumbersUSA, which opposes legalizing undocumented immigrants and favors lower rates of legal immigration, blanketed South Carolina TV stations with ads last month that accused Graham of supporting "amnesty" for illegal immigrants when unemployment rates for native-born workers is high.
In response, a newly formed super PAC called Republicans for Immigration Reform is defending Graham against those charges. The ads, which start this week, feature Charleston Chamber of Commerce President Bryan Derreberry praising Graham for fighting for "modern immigration laws" that will help the economy.
"Sen. Graham is right on target. ... We have to be able to update our immigration laws," Derreberry says.
AHCA Outlines Principles for Immigration Reform - March 13, 2013
Washington, DC – In advance of a hearing this week before a House subcommittee, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) today outlined its core principles for immigration reform. AHCA will analyze each forthcoming piece of legislation through that lens, offering the Association’s support for measures that seek to expand access to direct caregivers in a profession that will rapidly expand over the next decade.
“A critical part of any immigration reform package must take into account ways to supply the U.S. economy with the workers it needs to recover from the downturn and grow,” said Gov. Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA. “We have ideas for workable solutions on this important issue, and will work with both parties in the coming weeks to tell the story of immigration as a story of personal success and achievement in a profession that cares for the greatest generation.”
New TechNet survey conducted March 4 - 5, 2013 shows that Americans support High Skilled Immigration Reform. Click here to see the details.
Randy Johnson, Senior Vice President of Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits testifies before a House committee on how reforms to Employment Verification and E-Verify are key parts of immigration legislation.
Click here to view the full testimony.
February 27, 2013
U.S. Chamber and AFL-CIO Agree to Principles for Lesser-Skilled Visa Program
by Tom Donohue
February 21, 2013
Today, Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, and I issued the following joint statement, along with principles for a lesser-skilled worker visa program:
The principles we released today represent our good faith efforts to continue to work together to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. The fact that business and labor can come together to negotiate in good faith over contentious issues should be a signal to Congress and the American people that support for immigration reform is widespread and growing, and is important to our economy and our society. This is an urgent national priority and Congress should act accordingly.
The United States will always be a nation of immigrants who have contributed greatly to the vitality, diversity, and creativity of American life. Yet, like the rest of America’s immigration system, the mechanisms for evaluating our labor market needs and admitting foreign workers – as well as recruiting U.S. workers – for temporary and permanent jobs are broken or non-existent. Current immigration policies are rigid, cumbersome and inefficient. What is needed is the creation of a professional bureau in a federal executive agency to inform Congress and the public about these issues together with a system that provides for lesser-skilled visas that respond to employers’ needs while protecting the wages and working conditions of lesser-skilled workers – foreign or domestic. Current efforts at comprehensive immigration reform present a unique and historic opportunity for American workers and businesses to work together to fix this aspect of the badly broken system.
The Hidden Obstacles to Legal Reform
If you think questions of legalization, border security, and fundamental party politics are the biggest obstacles to immigration reform, think again.
National Journal Daily
by Major Garett
February 20, 2013
You can’t blame the White House for being surprised and flustered that parts of its draft proposal on immigration reform leaked.
Such flustering vapors arise when you have precious little experience drafting legislation of your own and submitting it for agency review. Other than the Jobs Act, drafted almost entirely as a campaign document, the White House has no experience submitting policy ideas for the gantlet of agency review.
All sorts of things can happen there. Rude questions can be raised, policies can be challenged, or things can be leaked for nefarious reasons. The White House's immigration plan made its way, at least, to the Office of Management and Budget and to Homeland Security. Its scant details on border security suggest, but in no way prove, a motive.
Read more on nationaljournal.com.
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