While health care reform has taken center stage of late, now we have a chance to really consider  immigration reform. This guide points to opinions on both sides, right and left, and focuses on how we might bridge the gap, improve the country, and handle the immigration reform.

What is immigration reform?
Immigration reform is an idea trying to resolve a problem: the many undocumented workers in the United States. Some studies have pointed out there are as many as 20 million undocumented workers in the U.S. The two sides are those who want them to be forced to leave, and those who want amnesty. Both sides have clear points. If all illegals were granted amnesty, it would almost condone the illegal activities, and be ignoring the many problems these undocumented workers have created. On the other side, forcing 20 million workers out of the country would be a huge problem, and ignores the simple fact we are all, more or less, a country of immigrants.

Democrats are mostly in favor of granting amnesty. There are some advantages here, namely the fact if undocumented workers were made legal, the problems of them driving wages down might improve, as minimum wage laws would take effect.

Republicans and others are divided on the issue, but the main argument is that these immigrants came here illegally, some are breaking laws in the U.S., and some are taking jobs away from U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

President George W. Bush tried to bridge the gap in the debate, but was beaten back by politicians from both parties. Now President Obama is trying to solve the problem, granting amnesty to undocumented workers.

What does it mean to you?
The two sides to this issue each have clear points, but with a Democrat in office, the chances of amnesty passing are much higher. If undocumented workers were made legal, it very likely would improve wages and limit the number of jobs they take from citizens (because the pay scale would be even again). The problem of illegal immigration would be made much easier, though even Obama has said the problems inherent need some time. For one, illegal drug trafficking is a major problem.

In reality, deporting millions of immigrants is impossible. However, we might be able to curb the problem, lessen the effect it has on U.S. workers, and improve the economy. The main goals of immigration reform are to improve border security so we don’t have a continuing problem, using work site enforcements so only legal workers can get job, have guest worker programs, improve the current immigration system, and letting the naturalization process evolve to meet the new demands.

If millions of undocumented workers were made legal, you might think this would somehow hurt the economy. After all, they’re taking jobs. This is true, and a good argument. It should also be considered that these new workers would be hired under fair wages, would invest much more money into the U.S. economy, would pay taxes, and would save the government time and money in tracking them down.

As you can see, there are a lot of details to consider. This blog post was not meant to say which side is right or wrong. It’s good to have a debate, and hopefully we’ll have a fair conclusion.

The controversial Arizona law and “amnesty debate” are very divisive issues with people on both sides of the issue – not to mention both political parties. Is there a middle ground? This blog isn’t designed to provoke issues, but let’s consider what illegal immigration is, what amnesty is, and what each means for immigrant rights.

What is illegal immigration?
To U.S citizens, illegal immigration evokes images of Latin people climbing fences and running across borders. Of course, that’s the main point of disagreement for both sides. Illegal immigration is being an undocumented individual living in the United States. You have no visa or green card; you managed to get here illegally; and you came for a variety of reasons.

Why come to the United States?
Let’s face it: most U.S citizens are descendants of peoples who wanted to get a better life for themselves and their families (though you can easily bring up slavery and the choice involved there). It’s the same with illegal immigrants today. Only, it’s not the gold rush, or potato famine, or a world war today. Most illegal immigrants are Mexicans who cross over looking for a better life. There are jobs in Mexico and other Latin countries, but there are simply more opportunities here in the U.S. Even in   touch U.S. economies, illegals cross the border, quite often with families, just to get a minimum wage job which pays twice what they might get paid in Mexico or another country.

What is Amnesty?
Amnesty, without going into dictionary terms, involves the debate on whether these illegal immigrants should be given the right to stay in the U.S. So, if one man and wife crossed the border, worked some jobs, but never applied for a green card, there options would either amnesty, being given the right to stay, or being deported.

There are arguments on both sides. It’s clearly a controversial issue, but many are ignoring what amnesty can bring to this country. You can still make the border stronger so potential terrorists, drug dealers, and criminals can be kept out. Drug running is a major problem with the current system, there’s no doubt. But perhaps amnesty can also bridge the gap between the two sides. To be frank, Latinos are becoming a very big part of our country. In order to bridge the gap, amnesty can save discussion for other major issues.

Yes, illegal immigration is one of this country’s major problems. Illegal drug and human trafficking is also a clear violation of law. Yet working undocumented illegals should be given the opportunity for a better life.

If you’re interested in moving to the U.S., be smart and do so legally. You can be sponsored by a relative currently here with a green card. If you’re unsure of the process, contact an immigration lawyer.

What is immigration reform and why is such a BUZZ word online?

Well, if that got your attention, let’s go beyond buzz and call it a full fledged debate. Instead of giving you a history lesson on immigration reform, let’s just get right to the point. What is immigration reform? How does it effect you? And how will they effect immigrants?

The Basics
“Immigration Reform” is a new campaign getting a lot of press. Type the word into Google, you’ve got a variety of opinions from the right and left (let’s include the middle too). There are some  defining immigration reform plan currently proposed by senators and President Obama. The problem is the so many different opinions floating on the web. There is bias all over the place.

So what is exactly do these new laws mean? The main problem addressed are the millions of undocumented workers across the U.S. (estimates say as many as 20 million). These are the driving forces; some are calling for them to be forced to leave, others calling for them to be allowed to stay. Immigration reform is the divide the sides are fighting on.

President Obama called 2010 the year for immigration reform. Some are concerned not enough action is occurring. Still more highlight how the reforms are changing to pander to the right in order to successfully pass.

The main goals involve border security, work site enforcements, guest worker programs, improving the current immigration system, and adapting the naturalization process.  Obama has clearly stated he is not for forcing millions of undocumented workers to leave the country, but he’s also making a point that immigrants undocumented are going to have to work within the laws. This includes learning English and paying a fine for staying in the U.S. illegally. But again, not to force them out.

This is good news for immigrants, because in most cases if you’re here undocumented, you can stay. And for  currently legal immigrants, only changes to becoming citizens will have an effect.

Border Security
The main goals of border security may be a means to play both sides, but it’s a problem with few options other than to tighten the security. This mans increasing the number of border patrol agents, adding hundreds of miles of fencing and vehicle barriers, ending the “Catch and Release” policy, and a list of other changes. To put it simply, the goal is to stop illegal immigrants from entering via the Mexico border.
Worksite Enforcement

All workers must hold legal status in the U.S. That means punishing companies who allow illegal immigrants to work there, and more.

Guest Worker Programs
This will reform seasonal worker programs to be more efficient in keeping undocumented immigrants from entering and staying.

Immigration System
Since the U.S. is still under threat from potential terrorists, the FBI will be working to reform the immigration system to better protect the borders. If illegal immigrants have easy access to entering the country, even if they intend no harm, it might open the door for enemies of the U.S. to do the same.

Naturalization
Lastly, the naturalization process will be reformed. This may come with some fighting, especially from senators in high immigrant states. The tests are designed to improve understanding of U.S. democracy, laws, and values. If you lack knowledge on becoming a U.S. citizen, you may want to read this POST.

This is by far not the whole story, but it’s a good start.

With George W. Bush out of the White House, many hope that his successor can achieve one of his greatest shortcomings – comprehensive immigration reform.

As President Barack Obama took the oath of office and the White House Web site changed, many immigration reform activists were pleased that the new site countinued to tout the President’s campaign promises of immigration reform as part of his agenda.

The White House site says that President Obama will create secure borders, improve our immigration system, remove incentives to enter illegally, bring people out of the shadows by providing a path to citizenship and work with Mexico to promote economic development.

While some statistics show that immigration is slowing with the downturn in the economy, the issue is no less important the United States’ economic future.

Having a rational, sustainable way for businesses to obtain the labor they need now and in the future is a vital part of insuring that the United States will recover from the current economic downturn.

No matter what your opinion about immigration, it is clear that the current system is broken and needs to be fixed. Getting comprehensive reform that helps immigrants and businesses should be considered a vital piece of the Obama Administration’s agenda.