The term “Immigration Reform” generally refers to changes in immigration policy. Immigration reform has remained a hot topic in United States political discussions, and is a key issue in the 2008 presidential election. Overall, immigration reform can have various meanings and viewpoints. To some, immigration reform could indicate a reduction or elimination of immigration, while to others immigration reform could connote immigration amnesty. Public interest groups in the United States embrace different meanings for the term “immigration reform.”
For example, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), lists the aims of their organization as: “improve border security, stop illegal immigration, and promote immigration levels consistent with the national interest—more traditional rates of about 300,000 a year.” On the other hand, Americans for Immigration Reform (AIR) lists their goals of “creating an efficient, effective provisional worker program” and “developing a realistic policy for illegal immigrants who are already here.” As such, immigration reform can take on various meanings to individuals, politicians, and public interest groups.
On January 28, 2008, immigration reform presented as a chief component of President George W. Bush’s State of the Union address. An excerpt of his speech is as follows:
“America needs to secure our borders -- and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We're increasing worksite enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings. We've 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. Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals.”
The White House states that they have taken many steps towards comprehensive immigration reform, including the following measures:
- Strengthening border security with additional funding that will lead to an increase in personnel and technology
- Completing additional fencing along the southwest border
- Requiring cross-border travelers to produce appropriate documentation proving their citizenship, and not permitting U.S. and Canadian citizens to solely orally declare their citizenship
- Executing measures to allow employers to verify the immigration eligibility of their employees
- Increasing fines and repercussions for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants
President George W. Bush previously tried to enact measures of comprehensive immigration reform that would give many undocumented immigrants a path towards citizenship and allow for a guest worker
program, as opposed to deporting all illegal immigrants. However, in 2007, the United States Senate voted against the proposed immigration reform legislation, with many critics citing the reforms as a plan for amnesty.
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