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SUMMARY & ANALYSIS
USINFO | 2013-08-15 16:07
Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 At this historic juncture, the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” U.S. senators has introduced theBorder Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S.744), which, if enacted, would comprise the largest-scale overhaul of our immigration system in more than 25 years. The National Immigration Law Center welcomes the introduction of this bill as a positive first step in moving toward a commonsense immigration system that meets the needs of all aspiring citizens. Significantly, the bill would provide a road to citizenship for approximately 11 million unauthorized immigrants and overhaul the family immigration system. The bill also would create stringent border enforcement and deportation measures, and ramp up workplace enforcement by mandating that employers use an electronic employment eligibility verification system (E-Verify). As we assess the impact of this proposed legislation, NILC will continue to advocate for a new immigration process that is fair and accessible for low-income immigrants.
We question the allocation of large amounts of funding to the U.S.-Mexico border at a time when the federal government has mandated spending cuts for education and infrastructure. According to a Jan. 2013 report by the Migration Policy Institute, the federal government spends more on federal immigration enforcement than on all other principal federal criminal law enforcement agencies combined, with nearly $18 billion spent in fiscal year 2012 alone.
During these tough economic times, Americans agree that resources should be used wisely and effectively. Recent polling data suggests that the majority of Americans prefer that funding be invested in fighting drug and weapons trafficking as opposed to going after immigrants who cross the border without authorization. Recent border militarization has led to excessive use of force and racial profiling of border residents. We wholeheartedly support the use-of-force training and a racial profiling prohibition and urge DHS to conduct significant oversight on these issues. Border communities have been demanding more accountability and oversight of border enforcement. Any future efforts at strengthening the border should focus on meeting those community demands.
Title I: Border Security
We question the allocation of large amounts of funding to the U.S.-Mexico border at a time when the federal government has mandated spending cuts for education and infrastructure. According to a Jan. 2013 report by the Migration Policy Institute, the federal government spends more on federal immigration enforcement than on all other principal federal criminal law enforcement agencies combined, with nearly $18 billion spent in fiscal year 2012 alone.
During these tough economic times, Americans agree that resources should be used wisely and effectively. Recent polling data suggests that the majority of Americans prefer that funding be invested in fighting drug and weapons trafficking as opposed to going after immigrants who cross the border without authorization. Recent border militarization has led to excessive use of force and racial profiling of border residents. We wholeheartedly support the use-of-force training and a racial profiling prohibition and urge DHS to conduct significant oversight on these issues. Border communities have been demanding more accountability and oversight of border enforcement. Any future efforts at strengthening the border should focus on meeting those community demands.
