This immigration Bill WAS a top priority for the D
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Hard to see how ten years later we wouldn't be better off with this Bill than we are without it. Absent any bill proposal from the GOP this Bill still makes sense.
On January 28, 2013, a bi-partisan group of eight Senators, known as the "Gang of Eight" announced principles for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). The Senators involved include: Charles Schumer of New York, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Bob Menendez of New Jersey, and Michael Bennet of Colorado, and Republicans John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida, and Jeff Flake of Arizona.[52]
The policies envisioned by the Senators include the following provisions:
A citizenship path for illegal immigrants already in the United States contingent on certain border security and visa tracking improvements. The plan provides for permanent residence for illegal immigrants only after legal immigrants waiting for a current priority date receive their permanent residence status and a different citizenship path for agricultural workers through an agricultural worker program.
Business immigration system reforms, focusing on reducing current visa backlogs and fast tracking permanent residence for U.S. university immigrant graduates with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or math also known as the STEM fields.
An expanded and improved employment verification system for all employers to confirm employee work authorization.
Improved work visa options for low-skill workers including an agricultural worker program.[53]
Under the Senate bill, most unauthorized immigrants will face a waiting period of 13 years or more before they become citizens; a criminal background check; work requirements; documentation demands; English-language and citizenship exams; and employment eligibility verification.
In addition, they will be required to pay significant fees and penalties that could total more than a month’s worth of their gross yearly income. Immigrants who can satisfy these conditions will be denied access to safety-net services, including basic health care and nutrition assistance — even after they secure a lawful status.
On June 27, 2013, the United States Senate approved S.744, known as the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 in a historic 68-to-32 vote.[57] The immigration reform bill was sent to the United States House of Representatives, but was never brought to the House floor for debate or an up-or-down vote and thus died at the end of the 113th Congress.[58]
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