Immigration reform has become a hot topic again. Recently President Obama invited leaders from both parties to meet with him to discuss solutions to this important issue. The result is a framework for action created by Senators Charles E. Schumer (D - NY) & Lindsey O. Graham (R - SC). Highlights include:
- Confirmation that the overwhelming majority of Americans oppose illegal immigration and support legal immigration.
- Our history and greatness is deeply rooted in diversity and the contributions of generations of immigrants from around the world.
- Implementing technology (biometric Social Security cards) to create an effective employment verification system that holds employers accountable and prevents illegal immigrants from getting jobs.
- Enhancements to border security and interior enforcement including a zero-tolerance policy for those who commit other felonies after coming here illegally.
- Creating a process for admitting temporary workers.Attracting and retaining the world's best and brightest minds by providing green cards to highly educated immigrants.
- Developing a rational system for lower-skilled workers.
- Implementing a tough, but fair path to legalization for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants already in the country.
While the framework is not perfect, it does represent a sensible bipartison approach to overhauling our immigration system to promote America's future economic prosperity. Hopefully, our government can put rhetoric aside to fix this badly broken system and give the American people a better solution.
