As a point of reference, I do not support this bill's creation of a massive new temporary worker program. Two weeks ago, I voted to support Senator Dorgan's two amendments to strike and sunset that program, and I find it regrettable that the Senate did not adopt those amendments.We've seen a good bit of analysis on the Senate Floor in recent days to the effect that the temporary worker program will be largely unworkable. To the extent that it would work, it would create a wage-based underclass and a bureaucratic nightmare. Furthermore, as I stated on the Floor two weeks ago, I believe that guest worker programs (aside from purely temporary, seasonal work) drive down the wages of hard working Americans, and of those who came here by following the law.
Under my proposal, undocumented persons who have lived in the United States at least four years prior to enactment of the bill could apply to legalize their status. I note that this four year period is even more generous than the five-year threshold that was contained in several bills in the past few Congresses -- bills that were supported by senators from both parties and by immigrants' rights groups.After receiving the application, the Department of Homeland Security would evaluate a list of objective, measurable criteria to determine whether the applicant should receive a Z visa, and thus be allowed to get on the path to citizenship.
The statutory criteria to be considered would be:
-+ Work history.
-+ Payment of federal or state income taxes.
-+ Property ownership and business ownership in the United States.
-+ Knowledge of English.
-+ Attendance at U.S. schools.
-+ Immediate family members in the United States.
-+ Whether the applicant has a criminal record.
And
-+ Whether the applicant wants to become a U.S. citizen.Like the underlying bill, applicants would be given probationary status while the DHS considers their Z visa application, and could lawfully work during this probationary status period.
I support this plan, not only because I think the touchback requirement is pointless, but I also had doubts about legalizing nearly all 12 million illegals. I'm definitely not a law-and-order, we have to deport all of them kind of person, but limiting amnesty to a certain timeframe as well as designating who has stronger roots in America already can balance the interests of families and communities but also stand firm on a message of enforcing the law and not bureaucratically encouraging further illegal immigration.
However, in good conscience I could not support the bill. Senator Webb explains why:
"As a point of reference, I do not support this bill?s creation of a massive new temporary worker program. Two weeks ago, I voted to support Senator Dorgan?s two amendments to strike and sunset that program, and I find it regrettable that the Senate did not adopt those amendments."
Guest worker programs have links to employers. This creates an indentured class of workers - second class citizens. Because their status depends on the employer, their participation in the free labor market is greatly harmed. If they joined a union or requested better working conditions, in theory the employer could simply stop sponsoring them - and their choice is to be illegal or leave the country.
Indentured guest worker programs are close to being on the same moral level as slavery. If you oppose slavery (and everyone I know does) you should oppose this bill.
Employers should never control immigration. That is the reason my profession is in such trouble right now. My problem isn't that I compete with immigrants - rather that I compete with INDENTURED immigrants.
I have seen guest worker programs cause educated people to eat dirt for their employers. Imagine what will occur when you have uneducated, poor people included in a similar program! The exploitation and harm to the labor market will be even worse - and on a much greater scale.
Any EMPLOYER SPONSORED guest worker program kills the bill in my opinion. People should simply be give work permits without ties to an employer.
I support Senator Webb's amendment, but he should go further and cut any ties to an employer.
While other "politicians" are ducking the issue, Webb is proposing answers. What a refreshing change.