Bipartisan Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Response
Posted: April 13th, 2013 | Author: Chris Jaensch | Filed under: Jaensch Immigration Law Firm, National News | Tags: CIR, Comprehensive Immigration, Gang of Eight, Jaensch Immigration Law Firm | No Comments »
Gang of Eight
The framework rests on four legislative pillars:
- Creating a “tough but fair” path to citizenship
- Easing the immigration process for families and workers
- Creating an effective employment verification system
- Improving the process for admitting future immigrant workers
In their discussion of a path to citizenship, the Gang of 8 does not have much to say that is new. They will require those who entered or stayed in the US without permission to register with the government. Registrants will have to pass a background check and pay a fine and back taxes. In return they will receive a legal probationary status that will allow them to live and work in the US. If a registrant has a “serious criminal background,” or poses a threat to national security, they will be subject to deportation. If they pass the first background check they will proceed to “the back of the line” for a potential green card. In order to obtain a green card they will have to pass an additional background check, pay taxes, learn English and civics, and demonstrate a work history and current employment, among other requirements. They will not receive a green card until “every individual who is already waiting in line for a green card…has received their green card.”
What is new is that no one will be able to even get in line for a green card until the border is fully secure. The framework calls for improved use of technology, more drones, more agents, more fence, the creation of an entry-exit system that will ensure that those who enter the country on temporary visas leave on time, and the creation of a commission of southwest state governors, attorneys general, and community leaders that would determine when security measures are adequate.
Lastly, the framework seems to promise a different path to legal status for those who entered the country as young children, referring to the DREAMers and DACA, and agricultural workers.
From there the framework goes on to discuss improving the legal immigration system. It mentions the need to reduce backlogs in the visa processing system but no specific measures for how to do so. It announces that immigrants who get a Master’s or PhD in a science, math, engineering, or technology field will obtain a green card immediately.
The framework discusses employment verification next. It declares that employment verification should be necessary. Prospective workers will be required to demonstrate both legal status and identity through electronic means that cannot be forged (easily). Whether the Gang of 8 intends to expand the currently operating but not mandatory E-Verify system or create an all new employment verification system remains to be seen.
Lastly, the framework touches on what the future immigration system might look like. It seems to advocate for improving the H1-B work visa process to make it easier for employers to find and hire labor from abroad. It specifically mentions creating a workable system to meet the agricultural industry’s needs, perhaps hinting at the creation of a new temporary visa for agricultural workers. It proposes making our immigration system more adaptable. It proposes permitting, “workers who have succeeded in the workplace and contributed to their communities over many years to earn green cards.” This could mean creating a path to legal permanent resident status for H1-B holders and, perhaps E-2 visa holders. We are definitely in favor of that.
Download the FINAL Bipartisan Framework For Immigration Reform.
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Written by Chris Jaensch
Attorney P. Christopher Jaensch received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1992 and a Juris Doctor degree in 1995 from the University of Florida. While at UF, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa Society and Florida Blue Key, the oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary in the state of Florida.
Mr. Jaensch is a member of the Florida Bar, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Sarasota Bar Association. He has served as President of the Sarasota-Manatee International Trade Club and served as Regional Vice Chair, Tampa Bay, for the Central Florida Chapter of AILA. He was a member of City of Sarasota Charter Review Committee and has been active in several local organizations, including the influential Laurel Park Neighborhood Association in downtown Sarasota.
Mr. Jaensch has over 18 years of experience in the field of immigration and nationality law and focuses his practice on four primary categories (a) investors and entrepreneurs, (b) business executives, managers and professionals, (c) amateur and professional athletes and coaches and (d) performing artists and immigrants with extraordinary ability.
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