Mid-Term Elections and U.S. Immigration Law & Policy
Posted Nov 17, 2006
©MurthyDotCom
Recent mid-term elections resulted in wins for the Democrats, who will take control of the U.S. House of Representatives and virtually the U.S. Senate as of January 2007. The ensuing two-year term, many believe, may be ripe for some sort of comprehensive immigration reform. President George W. Bush has been espousing all along the cause for comprehensive reform in this area. Most people recognize that there are immigration problems and governmental delays that exist. Most also believe that the system needs to be changed for the better. But just how this should be accomplished is not so easily agreed upon, and so it is a hot-button issue.
©MurthyDotCom
Many of the hardliners, who took a strong anti-immigration position, lost the recent elections. But there are some who took this stance and won. It also is widely believed that many of the newly elected Democrats expressed anti-immigrant sentiments in their campaigns. Achieving any strong pro-immigration measures may prove to be more daunting than originally was anticipated; certainly more than many hoped it would be. Needless to say, we can expect 2007 to mark the beginning of a time for change and flux in the arena of U.S. immigration law. There is a possibility the DREAM Act could be passed, allowing the children of undocumented immigrants (who complete their high school educations in the United States) to obtain conditional "green card" status if they enroll in college or join the U.S. armed services. Both the Democratic and Republican parties seem inclined to help children. There are individuals, however, who are not willing to give any benefits to children of undocumented immigrants. Whatever the outcome, one thing is for sure – we can and should expect some debate on the matter of immigration law and policy in the coming year. Your input, therefore, is critical to the process. Whether your interest is as an employer or an employee or some other capacity, it is important to make your voice heard in Congress by eMailing, writing, or calling your U.S. senator, congressperson, or their immigration aides. Contact them regularly on issues that concern you and your business. That is a part of our democratic process. So, if you care, you must dare to go out there and do your part!