America's immigration system is broken, and the nation's hometowns are suffering the consequences. The inability of government at all levels to reach consensus on a solution of immigration has created financial, cultural, and political strains in communities across America. Comprehensive reform is needed to fix the system and to provide cities and towns with the support they need to integrate immigrants into American communities.
Comprehensive National Immigration Reform Policy
NLC supports reform legislation that contains the following key principals:
- Greater border security and enforcement;
- Recognition of the human and civil rights of both citizens and non-citizens;
- Stronger penalties against employers who knowingly employ undocumented workers;
- Creation of an admission program for temporary workers based upon the current needs of the economy, and over time steps to qualify for legal permanent residency;
- Adequate fiscal support for city and state governments that are disproportionately shouldering the costs of the current broken immigration system; and
- Process whereby the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States may earn legalized status through payment of appropriate fees and back taxes, background checks, absence of criminal or gang activity, consistent work history, meeting English and civics requirements, and “waiting their place in line.”
One-page issue brief containing NLC's legislative position on comprehensive immigration reform, message to Congress, and related immigration facts.
Through research and technical assistance capacities, NLC's Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program focuses on promoting civic engagement and naturalization among immigrant communities in cities throughout the United States.
Articles related to comprehensive immigration reform that have appeared in recent editions of Nation's Cities Weekly.
Bipartisan group of mayors from across the country and business leaders from all sectors of the economy coming together to raise awareness of the economic benefits of sensible immigration reform.