An Immigration Commission?
Position
The debate about comprehensive immigration reform has taken a new turn in 2009. Driven in part by the recession and by concern about unemployment among American workers, some reform advocates are advancing the idea that immigration quotas should be set by a commission made up of experts and stakeholders.
IW shares the concern for unemployed U.S. workers and believes employers should make every effort to hire Americans before they consider foreign workers. But we are skeptical of proposals to set immigration quotas by commission.
We do not believe the economic data is available that would allow a commission of experts or stakeholders to make real-time decisions about where we need immigrants and where they would most benefit the economy - what economic sectors or what regions of the country. We're also skeptical that it would be possible to insulate a commission from political influence - and nothing would be worse than a politicized body that was not accountable to voters.
As business owners, we believe that 21st century immigration is driven largely by market forces. We think it's a mistake for the U.S. government to try to fight the dynamism of the world economy - we believe immigration ceilings should be designed to accommodate the influx determined by supply and demand. And we believe the test of any body charged with setting quotas, whether Congress or a commission, should be how well it aligns those ceilings with the fluctuations of U.S. labor-market needs.
Would a commission make our immigration system more responsive to the market - or less? If the answer is less, it's a bad idea - for immigrants, employers and the American economy.
RESOURCES
ImmigrationWorks, Future flow talking points
Economic Policy Institute, Immigration for Shared Prosperity - A Framework for Comprehensive Reform, April 2009
AFL-CIO and Change to Win, Unified Immigration Reform Framework, April 2009
Migration Policy Institute, Harnessing the Advantages of Immigration for a 21st Century Economy, May 2009
IW shares the concern for unemployed U.S. workers and believes employers should make every effort to hire Americans before they consider foreign workers. But we are skeptical of proposals to set immigration quotas by commission.
We do not believe the economic data is available that would allow a commission of experts or stakeholders to make real-time decisions about where we need immigrants and where they would most benefit the economy - what economic sectors or what regions of the country. We're also skeptical that it would be possible to insulate a commission from political influence - and nothing would be worse than a politicized body that was not accountable to voters.
As business owners, we believe that 21st century immigration is driven largely by market forces. We think it's a mistake for the U.S. government to try to fight the dynamism of the world economy - we believe immigration ceilings should be designed to accommodate the influx determined by supply and demand. And we believe the test of any body charged with setting quotas, whether Congress or a commission, should be how well it aligns those ceilings with the fluctuations of U.S. labor-market needs.
Would a commission make our immigration system more responsive to the market - or less? If the answer is less, it's a bad idea - for immigrants, employers and the American economy.
RESOURCES
ImmigrationWorks, Future flow talking points
Economic Policy Institute, Immigration for Shared Prosperity - A Framework for Comprehensive Reform, April 2009
AFL-CIO and Change to Win, Unified Immigration Reform Framework, April 2009
Migration Policy Institute, Harnessing the Advantages of Immigration for a 21st Century Economy, May 2009
News
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Task Force to Recommend Overhaul of U.S. Immigration System
Jul 8, 2009 — Washington Post
White House chief of staff Thomas V. "Mack" McLarty III.The report comes as President Obama and Congressional Democrats say they expect to begin debate on a comprehensive immigration plan within a year. But key Republicans -- including Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the 2008 Republican presidential nominee and co-sponsor of previous overhaul legislation -- have said a plan must include expanding temporary-worker programs.The panel did not recommend allow more guest workers,... -
As Obama sets course for immigration reform, roadblock appears
Jun 26, 2009 — Los Angeles Times
John McCain (R-Ariz.), a principal architect of past attempts to rewrite immigration laws. Past plans included a temporary guest worker program that was supported both by business groups and immigrant advocates. But many labor unions were wary of that plan. -
Obama says he's committed to immigration reform
Jun 25, 2009 — Boston Globe
John McCain, R-Ariz., who was a high-profile supporter of immigration reform, a position that cost him support within his own party. One of those is whether a worker verification system is needed, such as a fraud-resistent, biometric card to catch employers who employ undocumented workers. Still another tough issue is whether to expand guest worker programs. -
Obama stands behind immigration reform; McCain raises concern
Jun 25, 2009 — Chicago Tribune
...immigrant advocates and unions pulled together to propose that an independent commission study labor market needs and decide how many immigrant workers should be allowed into the country.The commission plan has drawn opposition from business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and McCain on Thursday left no room for compromise in opposing it.Ana Avendano, the AFL-CIO's point person on the issue, said the unions do not intend to give up."Just because McCain... -
EDITORIAL
Jun 18, 2009 — The Fresno Bee
Zoe Lofgren, the San Jose Democrat who chairs the House immigration subcommittee, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein will be among the key players for California. Past attempts at reform, such as in 1986, did not address the need for future flows -- so illegal immigration continued apace. -
Unemployment rates put added focus on immigration debate
Jun 7, 2009 — Chicago Tribune
Among their recent arguments are that the Midwest needs undocumented workers to gain legal status in order to stabilize the region's economy.
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A window for immigration reform
Sep 8, 2010 — Los Angeles Times -
Immigration Crackdown Steps Into the Kitchen
Sep 8, 2010 — New York Times -
Latino Republican walking a tightrope in Nevada race
Sep 8, 2010 — Los Angeles Times
