Immigration Reform: No More Delays

By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

People on both sides of the immigration reform debate agree that the worst possible immigration policy is the status quo. We must enact a comprehensive policy that protects both our national and economic security.

 

Bipartisan, compromise immigration reform legislation must bring the estimated 12 million undocumented workers already contributing to our economy out of the shadows and on a path to earned legalization-without giving them a free pass. Undocumented workers should have to pay a reasonable civil penalty for entering the United States illegally, demonstrate a substantial length of time in the workforce, pass a criminal background check, and show progress toward English proficiency.

 

It must also include a carefully monitored essential worker program to prepare for our nation's future labor demand. Over the next 10 years, the greatest job growth will occur in occupations that require little or no formal education and training. With unemployment at a near record low and 77 million baby boomers approaching retirement, who will fill these essential jobs if not immigrants?

 

Finally, reform legislation must strengthen border security. Guest worker and earned legalization programs would result in stronger and smarter border enforcement because such programs would enable law enforcement officials to focus their resources on true criminals and those who mean us harm.

 

Congress must not delay any longer on immigration reform. The Chamber will work to see that it doesn't.