Immigration Reform Research Paper

November 5, 2013
Republicans vs. Democrats: Immigration Reform No matter the political party, most can agree that America’s immigration system is broken. The steps toward fixing the entire immigration process include everything from border security and amnesty plans, to employment eligibility, and everything in between. While democrats are pushing for quick reforms, a compromise between the two parties is far from settled. With nearly 11 million immigrants predicted to be here illegally, efforts to fix immigration seem more than necessary. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that border security is a definite step in the process to fix immigration. Reforms concerning border security would include adding more personnel, new technology,
Program such as E-Verify (employment verification) may be placed mandatory to all employers 10 years after a bill concerning immigration reform is passed. These programs will use government databases, like social security, to make sure that the employees are eligible to work (The White House). Barrett and Bash from CNN suggest that “fraud-resistant, tamper-resistant biometric Social Security cards would be issued to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants. Fines for knowingly hiring someone not eligible for employment would be increased by 300 percent. Repeat offenders would face time in prison.” This will help prevent illegal immigrants from creating false documentation and identity fraud, and discourage others to migrate to the United States
Democrats feel that the “modernization” of immigration will benefit the U.S. by expanding the economy, thus creating more jobs not only for immigrants but American workers as well. On the other hand, GOP member seem to think these new immigration reforms will take jobs from Americans and actually damper the economy. Republicans think allowing illegal immigrants an opportunity to citizenship isn’t fair to the American labor force. Low-skill U.S. workers are predicted to be challenged by incoming immigrants because they are willing to work for lower wages. However, studies done by the Center For American Progress show that legalization can actually build the economy by an estimated 1.4 trillion dollars over the next ten years and create 203,000 jobs annually (The Economic Effects of Granting Legal Status). Therefor an increase in the number of work visas handed out is expected. In the Outline of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, the number of visas given for skilled immigrants will increase from 65,000 to 110,000. There bill also states will likely be an increase in temporary work visas as well, but there will be certain laws prohibiting such in areas that have higher unemployment rates. This will help ensure the American work force has a fair opportunity in the economy. Illegal immigrants working in