Sunday, April 08, 2007

New Immigration Plan

FOXNews reports The draft immigration legislation is the first stab by the White House and Republican senators to address the presence of 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants living and working in the country and the reliance by employers on illegal workers.

I am very pleased with this draft plan as outlined by Fox News. It is much closer to what I would have proposed, had I been President, than I was afraid George Bush would propose.
The White House draft plan was circulating Thursday around Capitol Hill and among groups with an interest in immigration legislation after elements of it were leaked late Wednesday. Under the plan, undocumented workers could apply for three-year work visas, which the plan dubs "Z" visas. They would be renewable indefinitely but renewal would cost $3,500 each time.
This is a good idea. It provides for the 12 million that are here to stay, but makes them pay a penalty to keep staying. Also according to FoxNews, any FICA that was deducted from their pay would be forfeited. This should help to keep Social Security liquid a little longer. I was afraid the Dems would let them immediately be eligible for Social Security.
The undocumented workers would have legal status with the visas, but to get a green card, making them legal permanent residents, they'd have to return to their home country, apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate to re-enter legally and pay a $10,000 fine.
Fantastic idea. And only if they do that, and get the green card, would they be eligible for future citizenship. And according to Fox News, they would go to the end of the line. That is good.
The plan also tries to make border security a priority by requiring 18,300 Border Patrol agents and 370 miles of physical fencing be in place, as well as electronic monitoring of the southern border ongoing before a temporary worker program could start.
I would prefer to see a longer amount of physical fencing, but this is better than nothing.

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