Senators debate immigration reform

After an unsuccessful attempt at passing comprehensive immigration reform last year, a small bipartisan group of senators joined key cabinet officials on May 17 to announce a compromise approach. If passed, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348) would be the first major legislation to overhaul the U.S. immigration system since the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986—a bill that criminalized knowingly hiring an illegal immigrant and established a one-year amnesty program for certain illegal immigrants. But after much initial optimism, senators are increasingly questioning key provisions of the new bill. A final vote has been delayed so that senators can have more time to digest and discuss the legislation.

http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=585

Guest Worker Program

In 2004 President Bush proposed a guest worker program as a way of giving back to illegal immigrants. He discussed the important role that immigrants have played in the United States by shaping America into what it is today. The United States has had a tradition of welcoming foreigners into the country who have tended to assimilate well into American culture. Bush mentioned that the growth of immigrants over time has propelled the economy into the world’s largest and has allowed it to become a powerhouse. Their contributions continue to be evident as they take on difficult jobs that many times require long hours. Immigrants are also known for starting their own businesses which help contribute to the U.S. economy. President Bush drew upon his personal experiences as a Texan to point out how Mexican immigrants he knew had made a difference in the country. He also added that they bring certain values with them like family, work ethic and independence. One specific example that he brought up was the thousands of immigrants that currently serve in the military. They may be foreign born but this did not deter them from embracing the service opportunities that this country has to offer.

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/guestworkerprogram.html

Bush prods Congress to pass immigration reform

Bush prods Congress to pass immigration reform

WASHINGTON (AFP) — President George W. Bush called on the US Congress Monday to address illegal immigration in "a sensible and humane way," after failing twice in two years to pass sweeping reforms on the problem.

"America needs to secure our borders," Bush told the legislature in his annual State of the Union address.

"We are increasing worksite enforcement, we are deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings, we have effectively ended the policy of 'catch and release' at the border, and by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents."

The Guest Worker Program: Both Sides of the Issue / Political Stands

The Guest Worker Program: Both Sides of the Issue / Political Stands

Many illegal aliens are working "off the books" in the United States in low level jobs. They risk being caught, detained and deported. They often live in fear. Their rights are not protected by labor laws. Furthermore, certain industries, including farming, are desperate for workers and cannot get Americans for the jobs. The Bush Administration has proposed a temporary guest worker program to solve some of these problems.