A "Progressive" Approach to Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Migra Matters: Progressive Immigration Reform on Friday offered a "comprensive" look at "comprehensive immigration reform." It is worth a look by clicking here. Among the proposals are the following:

*Formulate a reasonable, humane, fair and practical method for determining the levels of immigration going forward. Perhaps by an independent policy board free from the pressures of political expediency and business interests.

*Providing a path to legalization for all current undocumented immigrants living and working in the US.

*Secure the border by first insuring that the vast majority of immigrants are able to legally enter the country through a legal port of entry. Once the massive flow of immigration through illegal channels is curtailed, then work to physically secure the remainder of the border.

*Address the root causes of immigration, and change US policy so that it doesn't foster and produce conditions that force millions of people each year to leave their countries of origin in order to simply survive. Tie all future trade, military, and foreign aid agreements to not only to worker protections both here and abroad, but also to their ability to foster economic progress for the working class and poor in sender nations.

*Opposition to a "guest worker" program on the grounds that it provides no benefit to the American people or the immigrants themselves. It only provides big business with a disposable work force that holds down real wages and prevents immigrants from becoming a viable force in the workplace or full fledge members of society. *Foster an immigration policy that strengthens the middle and working class through unionization and participation in the electoral process.

*Recognize that immigration is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and vibrant America. It is what has set this nation apart from all others since its inspection. To close our borders to new immigrants is to cut off the lifeblood that has always made this nation grow and prosper.

KJ