President Obama Plans to Tackle Immigration Reform
Author: Law Office of Alena Shautsova
According to various news outlets about immigration reform, including the Portland Press, once the fiscal cliff is behind us, President Obama promises to focus on extensive immigration reform. Border security and a path to citizenship are several major goals he intends to address through legislation. The new bill may include the following:
- Increased ability to bring in foreign workers under special visas
- Increased penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants
Pew Hispanic Institute reports that recent statistics for illegal immigration have dropped. Even so, there are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States and a significant number have concerns about being given a path to citizenship. Statistics also show that enforcement levels for deportation reached a high peak.
While President Obama proposes an overall bill that addresses many aspects of immigration at once, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida favors a gradual approach that introduces a series of bills to address children who were brought unlawfully to the United States and worker issues, such as assisting foreign entrepreneurs, agricultural workers and technology specialists. A pathway to legal status is also part of Mr. Rubio's approach but would follow after resolving other issues which are less controversial. Once again, Congress must find a common ground to bring about immigration reform.
If you want to obtain citizenship, or if you face deportation or have other immigration concerns, consult a New York immigration lawyer to protect your rights.