Senate Democrats Introduce Immigration Reform Legislation
Spurred in part by controversy over a tough new immigration law in Arizona, Senate Democrats decided to introduce comprehensive immigration reform legislation without bipartisan support after months of behind-the-scenes discussions.
The legislative blueprint, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sens. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein, (D-Calif.) Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), includes border security benchmarks and a two-step path to permanent resident status including a series of fines for illegal immigrants already living in the U.S.
The proposal presented last week was intended to open debate, according to sponsors who still hope to convince some Republican lawmakers to add their support to the proposal.
The increased border control would include expanded personnel, improved technology and resources for border officials. Ports of entry would be equipped with biometric-identification technology. Illegal residents would be encouraged to depart voluntarily and penalties would be increased for selling or using false documents and illegal immigrants in federal, state and local prisons would be deported.
New employment verification policies and procedures would be part of the measure, including fraud-resistant biometric Social Security cards and a requirement for employers to use the new enrollment system to verify work authorization. Fines for knowingly hiring unauthorized works would be increased.
The blueprint would establish a path to legalization for all illegal immigrants living in the U.S. Individuals would have to pass criminal and security checks and pay all applicable fees and taxes. Eight years later, the individual could apply for lawful permanent-resident status after paying all taxes, fees and penalties; demonstrating basic citizenship skills, English-language skills and continuous U.S. residency; and passing updated criminal checks. Those convicted of crimes or who threaten national security would be disqualified.
Instead of setting a fixed number of temporary workers, the proposal would allow levels to change based on economic conditions and set up a separate commission for adjusting the number of temporary workers to fluctuate.
While most observers question the ability of Congress to pass sweeping immigration reform when it has failed in recent years, the sponsors vow to press ahead and continue their efforts to find additional support for the bill. House leaders have said they will wait for the Senate to act before attempting to bring forth any immigration legislation.
