IMMIGRATION 2013: THE BIPARTISAN GROUP OF 8'S CIR RECOMMENDATION

The Bipartisan Group of 8 (SENATORS SCHUMER, MCCAIN, DURBIN, GRAHAM, MENENDEZ, RUBIO, BENNET & FLAKE), have rolled out their Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill recommendation. This bill has some interesting aspects and some of their recommendations are a good start. Others are extremely questionable.
I'm providing you a good summary. I'm NOT going to critique them tonight. However, I am highlighting in RED the aspects of the bill that I have questions about.
The President is going to roll out his recommendation tomorrow.
Later this week, I'll be providing a side by side comparison of both recommendations.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO REVIEW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS SO WE CAN ALL BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE PRESIDENT OUR FEEDBACK.
 

I. CREATE A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP FOR UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS ALREADY HERE THAT IS CONTINGENT UPON SECURING THE BORDER & COMBATTING VISA OVERSTAYS

SOUTHERN BORDER ENFORCEMENT FIRST:  demonstrate commitment to securing borders and combatting Visa overstays by requiring enforced any immigrant on probationary status can earn a green card.	. More Border Patrol on Mexico Border (Not Canadian) . Provide Surveillance Technology including more Drones.
NO Racial Profiling	. Include verbiage for No Racial Profiling. Hear feedback from border communities re: Racial Profiling abuses.
Visa Overstays	. Electronically track all guest/temporary Visas to make sure they don’t overstay. (how will it work)
Pathway to Legalization for 11M	. While Security measures are put in place, 11M will register with the government, including passing background check, pay fine and back taxes, earn probationary legal status and stay/work in the US. Those with serious criminal record or who pose threat to national security are ineligible and subject to deportation. May be immediately deported.
NO Federal Public Benefits, including Healthcare, Food Stamps or any Federal Public Benefits	. Non-Citizens and ALL those in process will NOT have access to ANY Federal Public Benefits.
Southern Border Commission	. Create a commission comprised of Border Governors, Attorney Generals, and Community Leaders living along the Southwest border to monitor the progress of securing the Southern Border to make recommendations regarding when the security measures outlined in the legislation are completed. They will determine IF Measures are completed, and THEN and Only THEN will Probationary Immigrants be allowed to apply for citizenship.
ALL OF THE ABOVE MUST OCCUR BEFORE PATH TO	CITIZENSHIP
Pathway to Citizenship for the 11M here:	. go to back of line; pass additional background checks . will receive a green card once ALL who have been waiting in line at the time legislation is enacted has received green card. . pay taxes; learn English & civics; demonstrate history of work in US; eventually earn a green card
Different Punishments for Different Immigrants (I’m thinking about this category so it’s not in Red)	Dream Act: Different Requirements Agricultural Workers: Different Requirements Special Treatment for PhD & Masters’ Degree

 

II. Improving our Legal Immigration System and Attracting the World’s Best and Brightest

Award Green Cards to applying Immigrants who have received PhD or Masters’ degree in science, technology, engineering or math from an American University.

(I’m thinking about this category so it’s not in Red)

 

III. Strong Employment Verification

Develop tough, fair, effective and mandatory employment verification system. (Not eVerify)

. Hold employers accountable (Need more info on this one; what will replace?)

IV. Admitting New Workers and Protecting Workers’ Rights

. Guest Worker Program

Provide employers ability to hire low skilled workers in a timely manner where Americans are unavailable or unwilling to fill those jobs. (Need more info on implementation)