"Comprehensive" Immigration Reform

Nov. 1, 2010

"Comprehensive" Immigration Reform, what does this mean?

The American people have not been well-served by politicians who are seeking to

resolve a problem which has been with us for decades, illegal entry into our country

by millions of people through our Southern border.

The problem is again being addressed as one having to do with our immigration 

policy but not supported with any evidence of flaws that need to be corrected.

As with most issues there are two camps. One believes the millions of people 

who entered the United States illegally should be allowed to stay and the policy

needs "comprehensive" changes which would allow illegal entrants to remain.

The other camp believe existing immigration laws need to be enforced and not

relax the requirements to gain citizenship for anyone illegally entering the 

country.

Putting these opposing arguments aside the American people need to understand
the crux of the problem, the govt ineffectiveness combating illegal entry into our

country and prosecuting the people breaking our laws.

What should have been simple legislation to enforce or change immigration policy

has been a political battle with inflammatory charges tossed by opposing interests

for over a decade and grows worse in cost and inequity to those actually "waiting

in line" and the American workforce which has been impacted due to the millions

of workers illegally employed.

There is another concern rarely discussed, nor addressed,  the majority of the 

illegal aliens do not meet the needs of our country. Most are not well educated

and lack the skills in demand in our complex technological society.

Most unskilled illegal aliens will settle for whatever low pay work they can get. 

This is not a criticism of the work ethic they bring to our nation which should be

appreciated. 

But it does identify the tremendous burden and drain on our limited resources

as these workers are eligible for benefits we provide for low income workers, 

no matter their legal status.

Another part of the immigration issue which has not gotten much attention has 

been the failure to accelerate immigration of  high skilled workers  to meet the

demand of technology companies.

The need for medical and technical professionals cannot be fulfilled due to the

quota limits of current immigration law and drives American companies overseas 

to meet their needs.

Without an increase in H1B or similar specialty visas we will continue to have 

a shortage of professionals to supplement positions that are in short supply.

When the words "comprehensive reform" is connected with immigration it needs

to include qualifiers to meet the demands of American industry not solely the

political interests of any constituency, legal or illegal.