As an immigration reform bill winds its way through the Senate to an uncertain future in the House of Representatives, two Cornell immigration reform experts discuss the political trade-offs of the current bill, how it might change and prospects for success.
Mary Jo Dudley, director of the Cornell Farmworker Program and immigration farm-labor expert:
“The current immigration reform proposal takes into account the need for providing an expedited work authorization plan for the current population working on farms. It is critical that these provisions remain in place, and in particular the provision that will provide the same status for their family members. The waiving of the civics and English requirement will make this more accessible to skilled farmworkers.”
Stephen Yale-Loehr, immigration law expert and law professor:
“The Senate immigration reform bill faces several challenges as it heads to the Senate floor next week. The Gang of 8 senators who have shepherded the bill so far face a tough balancing act. They want to pick up Republican support, but adding more restrictive provisions, like requiring a mandatory entry-exit system before legalization can start, would alienate their current supporters.
“It is also unclear whether Democrats will offer a controversial amendment to allow gay Americans to sponsor their foreign partners for family reunification green cards. Adding that amendment could be a poison pill for Republican senators.
“Finally, it is unclear whether senators will offer amendments to allow more lower-skilled foreign workers to enter the United States. The current bill would establish a program to admit more lower-skilled workers, but employers complain that the numbers are too low. Adding more numbers could upset the delicate balance worked out between the Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO on this issue.”
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