The issue of immigration reform has been a topic for hot debate for many years. It has polarized the Democratic and Republican debates in Congress with each side unwilling to reach consensus. One of the contested points is the ‘pathway to citizenship’ whose definition means different things to different members of government. Sometimes a little history is helpful to provide context to a debate.
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) allowed approximately three million illegal immigrants to be granted legal status.
Some point to this as the beginning of the ‘taking’ of American jobs and explains their reluctance to move forward on immigration reform now. It is interesting to note that IRCA was passed under Ronald Reagan. Further legislation under Bill Clinton did little for the immigration community with only increased border security and stricter asylum measures.
In terms of the ‘pathway to citizenship’, Clinton signed a 2000 bill initiated by congressional Republicans corrected a loophole in IRCA that prevented a pathway for thousands of Central Americans and other relatives of legal residents. Lack of consensus and a widening gap between conservatives and liberal viewpoints meant that further debate over immigration went nowhere during the Bush years. The election of Obama brought immigration back in to the spotlight when it was prioritized for his presidency. With this historic background, it is easy to see why this issue has not progressed.
We urge you to make your viewpoint known to Congress and be part of the political process. Your lawmakers are elected to represent you and cannot effectively do so without your input. You may contact your Congressmen and Senators by visiting:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Congressman William Keating is on the Homeland Security committee