The complex immigration fight
Union activists rally during a labor union rally against Georgia's strict new immigration law in Atlanta (June 9, 2011). Credit: AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
Illegal immigration has become such an explosive issue that even reasonable reform in legal immigration is now captive to that battle. That's collateral damage the nation can ill afford.
Improving the constipated system of legal immigration to provide a more workable alternative for foreign nationals with skills our economy needs would relieve some of the pressure encouraging illegal immigration.
Unfortunately, until Washington finds common ground on illegal immigration, there may be no politically viable way to get to reforms such as special visas for job-creating entrepreneurs, a better match between the flow of temporary farm workers and the needs of U.S. growers, and visas for star math and science graduates educated here but sent packing just as their skills could be tapped.
In a more perfect world those things would be debated on their considerable merits. But some opponents of comprehensive reform -- and its path to legal status for undocumented immigrants -- won't countenance any increase in legal immigration until the larger issue is resolved. And congressional supporters of comprehensive reform have folded proposed changes in legal immigration into that larger legislation, hoping to draw additional votes to the cause.
The strategy makes sense, given how unlikely it is these reforms would pass as stand-alone bills. Lamentably, it's also another sign of paralysis on a problem the nation really needs to solve.
