Question

How should immigration law be reformed? Does the United States have any ethical duties to undocumented (illegal) aliens who come here to work? How can the law be fair and balance the rights of immigrants, their families, the companies that employ them, and U. S. citizens???????

Answer 1

The immigration law should be reformed to ensure all the stakeholders involved viz. the immigrants, their families, the firms employing them, US citizens and US economy should be taken into consideration. Below are few inclusions in the policy that would help everyone -

1. Immigration should be firmly based on clear documentation for any new immigrants who wish to enter the country for an employment.

2. Illegal immigrants working in the US currently for a period of more than 3 years or so should go through VISA application process or who are in US with families for more than 6 years or so should apply for Permanent Citizenship, the consideration of which should be based on the conduct of these immigrants and their contibution to the US economy for the past years that they have worked. Any illegal or misconduct should terminate their chances to stay in US.

3. Employment by companies should be based on merit, skills and qualifications rather than something completely driven by costs. If the firms find it difficult to get the right talent out of Americans, they can initiatie the process of VISA depending on the requirements.

4. US citizens should not be denied jobs on the basis of cost to the company while recruiting employees from other countries.