Immigration Reform
2013
Business Economics
Spring 2013
The Perfect Climate for Immigration Reform
The Immigration Reform debate has received some traction in recent months and it looks like the US may have its first significant immigration legislation since the 1986 Amnesty. The Republican Party, after analyzing the outcome of the November 2012 elections, has formally shown support for immigration reform as part of an effort to reach out to minority groups and transform its perception, so that it could have a chance in future elections as the United States electorate has changed. The Democrats have been ready for a long time and President Obama even warned in February that he has his own bill if Congress doesn’t act on passing a comprehensive immigration reform. With both sides ready to debate and act, it is a rare occurrence of bipartisan effort which hasn’t been seen much in recent years. Furthermore, public support is roughly around 70%, according to various polls. It is a favorable moment to pass the immigration reform.
The Beginning
On April 17, 2013, a group of bipartisan senators (4 Democrats and 4 Republicans) referred to as the “Gang of Eight” introduced the bill to the Senate after months of negotiations. The Senate Judicial Committee has already scheduled several hearings to consider possible changes after which the lawmakers on the committee will vote. Then the bill would be sent to the Senate floor for all to debate and make any likely additional amendments. This process is not expected to start until May. In the next few pages we will examine The Border Security, Economic Opportunity & Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 and what it aims to do in its early stages.
The Bill
What follows below is a summary of the bill, found on Senator Rubio’s website who is the lead GOP negotiator of the Gang of Eight. http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public (please note it has been abridged).
The Toughest Border Security & Enforcement...