The immigration reform legislation introduced by the bipartisan Gang of Eight senators has now come under further scrutiny. The Senate Judiciary Committee has proposed some 300 amendments to the 844 page bill. These amendments are varied, and range from protections to gay couples to efforts to strengthen border security. The most ambitious goals of some of the amendments are to take down the provisions in the bill for creating a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants. However, most observers have noted that despite these efforts, it is unlikely for the bill to change significantly,  as its bipartisan supporters are likely to act as one  to halt any significant changes to its composition.

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The GOP has proposed most of the amendments – 194 of the 300 total – and most of these are aimed at further fortifying the U.S. border. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas submitted a plan, 70 pages long, to significantly strengthen border security and make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to get on the controversial path to citizenship. Other amendments proposed by Democrats, such as the amendment proposed by Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont that would make foreign born same-sex partners of American citizens eligible to apply for a green card, are also controversial.

The original legislation that was introduced by the Gang of Eight aims to expand legal immigration over the next 10 years, tighten border security, and provide a path to citizenship to the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. It is particularly this last provision that has caused a backlash among a huge segment of American society.

NumbersUSA Education & Research Fund provides a forum for Americans of all national, ethnic and political backgrounds to focus on the singular issue of the numerical level of American immigration. It works to educate policymakers, opinion leaders and members of the public on immigration policies and legislation and their consequences. NumbersUSA advocates for a reduction to the levels of immigration for the sake future generations of Americans to be able to enjoy a high degree of mobility, environmental quality, worker fairness, fiscal responsibility and individual liberty.

Laws.com conducted an interview with NumbersUSA on its stance on the current immigration reform bill.

How do you feel about the immigration-reform bill being debated in Congress?

We oppose S. 744 because it would substantially increase the number of foreign job seekers at the expense of citizens and Legal Permanent residents. The bill would add 33 million foreign job seekers just over the next decade. This would increase job competition across the spectrum, although less-educated, lower skilled Americans would be hurt the worst.

What are some of the changes you would like to see happen to U.S. immigration policy?

We support mandatory use of E-Verify by all employers; enforcement of existing immigration laws; a reduction in legal immigration below the current historically-high level; an end to the practice of bestowing citizenship on children born in the U.S. to foreign nationals; adjustments to currently fraud-riddled guest worker programs, and real border security.

Do you think perhaps allowing more highly skilled workers to enter the U.S. and a cap on unskilled immigration would be a better policy to follow?

No, while 53% of recent college graduates under/unemployed, S. 744 proposes that every foreign student who earns a U.S. Master’s or PhD degree in a STEM field be automatically given a permanent work permit.  Data refute the sponsor’s labor-shortage claims. For instance, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which tracks STEM salaries of those newly graduated, reports that overall engineering starting salaries have been flat for nearly three years since 2010, with a tiny 0.3% increase.  Similar trends exist for more experienced workers. In fact, according to Prof. Norman Matloff (EPI Briefing Paper #356, Feb 28), no study other than those sponsored by industry has ever confirmed a shortage!

Increasing unskilled labor outside of Agriculture just worsens job prospects for poor and less educated citizens and drives down wages. That dashes the hopes of so many who want to climb the economic ladder into the middle class.

What are some of the accomplishments of Numbers USA?

NumbersUSA is an educational and grassroots organization with about 1.7 million members. The NY Times credited our members with stopping the 2007 amnesty bill. We have worked to promote Attrition Through Enforcement policies which are reflected in numerous pieces of legislation introduced in Congress over the years.

If this legislation does pass, what would be the next step for Numbers USA?

We do not believe it will pass but if it does, we will work to ensure that the Obama Administration and future ones do not ignore the law’s enforcement provisions or rubber-stamp applications for immigration benefits.

For more information on NumbersUSA, please visit them here. For more information on immigration laws and news, please visit our Immigration Laws Page.

The Immigration Debate

The ongoing debate on immigration in the United States has been the subject of many political discussions. While some people advocate for an open immigration policy, others have been cautious about the potential impacts of high immigration levels. NumbersUSA is an organization that works to advocate for responsible immigration policies that protect the interests of American workers. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of an irresponsible immigration policy and the role of NumbersUSA in advocating for responsible policies.

Who is NumbersUSA?

NumbersUSA is a nonprofit organization that has been active since 1996. The organization aims to reduce the number of people who are allowed to enter the United States each year. The organization believes that many American workers are being disempowered by the high levels of immigration and that the American economy is being negatively impacted. The organization conducts research, analysis, and educational materials to advocate for immigration policies that prioritize the needs of American workers.

What Are the Dangers of an Irresponsible Immigration Policy?

An irresponsible immigration policy can have significant negative impacts on American workers, communities, and the economy. High immigration levels can result in an oversupply of labor for low-skill jobs, leading to wage suppression and potential job losses for American workers. Additionally, unchecked immigration can lead to an increase in crime rates and a strain on social programs such as healthcare and education.

Irresponsible immigration policies can also have an impact on the environment. An increase in the population results in an increase in the demand for resources such as water, energy, and food. The pressure on resources accelerates environmental degradation and reduces the quality of life for all Americans.

The Role of NumbersUSA in Advocating for Responsible Immigration Policies

NumbersUSA advocates for immigration policies that prioritize American workers and the economy. The organization’s advocacy work aims to reduce the number of immigrants entering the United States each year by advocating for border security and enforcement, reducing family reunification immigration, and limiting chain migration.

The organization also promotes responsible policies that enable American employers to hire qualified American workers and offers educational resources that provide insight to lawmakers and the media on the impacts of unchecked immigration.

Conclusion: Immigrants Welcome, Irresponsible Immigration Needs to be Checked

In conclusion, NumbersUSA recognizes the importance of managed immigration for American workers and communities. Unchecked immigration can lead to significant negative impacts on American society and the economy. The organization advocates for responsible immigration policies that prioritize the needs of American workers while maintaining a compassionate policy towards legal immigration that respects the principles of diversity and inclusiveness. Ultimately, responsible immigration policies can strike a balance between the need for employment, economic growth, and cultural diversity while also respecting the safety, environmental and social considerations of American residents.