As the presidential debate will be intensifying in the next few months, we think that it would be useful to discuss some issues that have surfaced among presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain. Though many of their views coincide regarding border security and comprehensive immigration reform, they differ greatly in their plans on how to maintain illegal immigrants in the U.S. and how to manage some issues with relation to diversity.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Border Security
First and foremost is the issue of border security. Both candidates are advocates of comprehensive immigration reform, meaning that borders must be secured effectively to become a bar to another wave of illegal immigrants. This would include increased border surveillance and fencing. An added level of border security will introduce the addition of vehicle barriers, radars, and sensors. For McCain, only after having efficiently secured the border can we address other aspects of the problem.
Management of Illegal Immigrants Already in the U.S.
The issue of how to properly manage the 12 million illegal immigrants that are already in the United States and have been residing here for a number of years is perhaps one of the most pressing. Democratic candidate Barack Obama suggests that undocumented illegal immigrants pay a fine, learn English, and retreat to the “back of the line” on the path to citizenship. This would allow those applicants who have applied legally to receive fair treatment and efficient processing of their applications. Republican candidate John McCain, however, supports the deportation of the 12 million illegal immigrants who have committed crimes.
For children of illegal immigrants who have grown up in the U.S. without any personal fault, Obama has espoused the Dream Act, which allows these children to have full opportunity to receive higher education.
Once here, programs should be sustained for legal immigrants. Obama believes that state funding should be used to continue medical coverage for legal immigrants. McCain agrees that we should increase their eligibility for certain social programs and provide extra aid to states that have high amounts of immigrants for medical and social services. Furthermore, states would not be allowed to pass laws that deny human services to legal immigrants on their children.
The issue of language has also come up during these debates. Per Obama’s belief, becoming a bilingual nation would fairly represent the diversity in the U.S. However, McCain argues that English is necessary to surmount the “economic ladder” and this is why it must be established as the official language.
Immigration Bureaucracy
In terms of immigration bureaucracy, Obama has acknowledged that it is crucial to address the backlog of applications, fee hikes, and inefficient processing that the USCIS is experiencing. As this is posing a stress on immigrant families, the system should, and will be modified.
Petition Quotas
Both candidates agree that a guest worker program should be established with a path to citizenship for good standing illegal aliens who have been working in the U.S. for five years. This would establish three-year admission and one additional three-year extension, in addition to the issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying spouse and children. It would also provide qualified illegal aliens and family with the opportunity to adjust their status to permanent residence.
Both candidates are supportive of the view that the quota for immigrant visas should be increased. McCain would be especially interested in allowing more computer scientists and other information technology workers to enter the United States, as well as H-2A farm workers.
Source: www.ontheissues.org
As always, we encourage our readers to remain informed and actively involved in issues related to immigration law. We welcome you to post questions and comments on the blog so that it can become more interactive.
Posted by immigrationboss 
Posted by immigrationboss 
Posted by immigrationboss 