UNIT EIGHT| IMMIGRATION

THE NUMBERS As of November 2014, more than 4.4 million people were on waiting lists to legally immigrate to the United States. At the same time, an estimated 11.2 million undocumented immigrants were living in the country having reached the United States by sneaking over the border, using false documents, or overstaying the limits of their visas.2 .

COMPETING ISSUES Securing our borders to prevent further illegal immigration Visas for new highly skilled workers and plan for citizenship for current illegals Overhaul the entire immigration system and establish new policies Reform current policies and enforce current laws Roles state plays in crafting their own policies and protecting their own borders Role of Congress and president in controlling immigration

Current Law Nationality Act of 1965, which created a system based largely on an immigrant’s relationship with American citizens or employers. Under the current structure, legal immigrants enter the United States seeking to establish permanent residence. These lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—or “green card” recipients—can live and work in the United States, own property, attend public schools, and join the military; after five years, most LPRs are eligible to apply for citizenship upon completion of English language, civics, and American history exams.

WorkING? But the fact that many individuals still enter the United States illegally has led elected officials to criticize the immigration system as woefully ineffective. 2004 Guest Worker Program/Return Home then Apply 2006 Secure Fence Act (700/1,933 miles w/ Mexico) 2007 Pathway to Legal Status Literally THOUSANDS of laws have been passed to adjust immigration law (184 laws/253 resolutions in 2013)

WHAT TO DO WITH 11.2? With approximately 11.2 million undocumented immigrants already in the United States, policymakers must agree on a realistic plan to deal with this population, either through deportation or through the creation of a pathway to citizenship.

CLINTON on IMMIGRATION Pathway to Citizenship: Promises first 100 days to have pathway for illegals like Gang of 8 proposal. Border Wall: Opposes a large all but willing to expand current Obama Executive Orders: Will uphold orders. Deportation: Continue policy of deporting violent criminals. Scale back on deportation raids. Most allowed to stay. Government Assistance: Allow illegals to buy into health care exchanges and allow other benefits. Would allow some to collect Social Security as along as they paid into system for 10 years.

TRUMP on IMMIGRATION Pathway to Citizenship: opposes legal status for illegals. Believes in deportation and reapplication. Border Wall: Complete the Wall and add border agents Obama Executive Orders: Terminate all executive orders granting amnesty and deport. Government Assistance: Deny all government benefits to illegals including healthcare. Sanctuary Cities: Deny funds to cities shielding residents.

HOMEWORK due NOVEMBER 15th Read Domestic Policy: LAW & ORDER Complete Reading Guide