Political Leaders Acknowledge The Need For Immigration Reform
Thu, Aug 16 1:16 PM
Republicans and Democrats have disagreed on issues relating to comprehensive immigration reform throughout political history, but both parties have reached the consensus that there is a vital need for change in the United States.
With the implementation of the deferred action program on August 15, 2012, immigration will again be at the center of political debate. Immigrants are being hailed as dreamers and risk-takers, and the program will allow selected applicants to remain in the United States for two years on a work permit. Although the deferred action program is not currently an option that can lead to a green card or U.S. citizenship, many members of the political community say they believe the next change should head in that direction, according to Bloomberg.
Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, met with government officials and discussed four areas where immigration reform should take place. Members of both political parties have shown their support of the platform:
1. Provide green cards for foreign students in graduate programs to allow them to work in the United States after they finish school, and keep these U.S. educated individuals from taking their talents back overseas.
2. Increase the percentage of green cards awarded on the basis of economic needs, as 7 percent is too small.
3. Create an entrepreneur work visa, allowing individuals to remain in the United States if they can succeed in creating a job for themselves.
4. Create a guest-worker program for seasonal and labor industries to prevent losses in areas like farming and building.
Immigration is extremely important to the U.S. economy, and will remain on the political agenda for years to come.
This article is brought to you by Immigration Direct, a trusted resource for matters related to the government’s deferred action program. Take the Free Deferred Action Eligibility Quiz online today.