The Obama Administration's Plans for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Obama Administration understands that the current immigration system is "broken" and is supporting comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama recognizes the intrinsic link between the immigration system and the nation's economy and is developing a multi-faceted plan to address the nation's troubled immigration system that will prove beneficial to both the American economy and immigrant families.
There are several components to President Obama's plan to fix the broken immigration system. He wants to eliminate illegal immigration by strengthening border control and enforcing the immigration laws. As evidence of his commitment to decrease illegal immigration, President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, providing $400 million in funds dedicated to enhancing the security and infrastructure for ports of entry on the Southwest border. President Obama will remove incentives to enter the country illegally by preventing employers from hiring undocumented workers. The Obama Administration will also work with Mexico in order to promote Mexico's economic development, in an effort to decrease the economic desperation that often causes illegal immigration.
Of importance to those already living in the U.S. illegally, the Obama Administration wants to provide a path to citizenship for hardworking immigrant families. President Obama supports a system that allows undocumented immigrants in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens.
As further evidence of the Obama Administration's support of a comprehensive immigration reform program, Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, expressed her sincere support for the DREAM Act during a Senate oversight hearing on May 6, 2009. This act, which was re-introduced in both chambers of Congress on March 26, 2009, provides a path towards temporary permanent residence for undocumented immigrant students. The latest version of the bill has the following requirements:
- must have proof of arrival in the U.S. before 16 years of age;
- must have proof of residence in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years prior to the bill's enactment, with Selective Service compliance;
- must obtain a U.S. high school diploma or an American G.E.D.;
- must be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of the bill's enactment, and
- must have good moral character.
An immigrant who meets these requirements can obtain temporary residency for a period of six years, during which time they must serve in the U.S. military for at least two years or attend college and earn at least a two-year degree in order to earn citizenship. If however, at the end of the six-year period, these requirements are not met the immigrant will be subject to deportation.
Immigration attorneys and undocumented immigrants alike, await the arrival of a comprehensive immigration reform program. Please re-visit this web page for periodic updates on the progress of this immigration reform.
