An estimated 37 million immigrants live in the United States, nearly a third of whom are undocumented. Regardless of their immigration status, these newcomers play an integral role in our society. They fill critical jobs, go to our schools, belong to our churches, own homes and businesses.
Consider these facts:
As native birth rates continue to decline and as the Baby Boom generation begins to retire, immigrants and their children—as workers, taxpayers, consumers, and entrepreneurs—will become even more crucial to U.S. economic vitality and global competitiveness.
These demographic, economic, and social imperatives demand both a complete overhaul of the immigration system and the development of national immigrant integration policies. As a result, immigration has emerged as the year’s most hotly debated domestic policy issue, from the halls of Congress to the airwaves of national radio and television—and even in some foundation board rooms.
To help immigrants become fully contributing community members, reform of our immigration system should follow certain fundamental principles. It should embody core American values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. It should advance U.S. social and economic interests, while protecting civil rights and enhancing national security. And, given the high number of undocumented workers, reform should provide expanded and workable legal channels to meet current and future labor-market demands.
To be comprehensive, however, immigration reform cannot stop at legalization and guest-worker programs. It should include provisions to protect all workers from exploitation and abuse, put in place a humane and effective immigration enforcement program, expedite processing of family immigration visas, and promote naturalization and civic participation.
Beyond reforming the immigration system, developing immigrant integration policies at the local, state, and national levels is an important long-term goal. Such policies should address issues such as poverty, education, employment, health, and other social issues that are so essential to helping newcomers gain a foothold and do their part, along with the native-born, to build strong communities. Immigrant integration policies should also express a vision for a vibrant, cohesive society that is shared and valued by all of its members, regardless of their race, national origin, or socio-economic status.
A fair and humane immigration system—coupled with intentional immigrant integration policies—will help America live up to its heritage as the land of freedom and opportunity for all. The current and future vitality of our country is at stake.
To order a copy of one of GCIR's publications, click here.