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Meeting America’s Needs: Immigration Reform

For the first time since 1986, immigration reform is underway at the White House. The estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the US will be positively and negatively affected by the impending changes stated in the “Lawful Prospective Immigrant” bill proposed by President Barack Obama.

The bill is to be unveiled this coming Tuesday by such supporters as California Representative Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein. The bill asserts both the security and economic issues entwined with immigration.

The bill will specifically target immigrants with a criminal record. If an immigrant has convictions, severe penalties such as being removed from the community and being excluded from re-entering the US may be implemented.

Immigrants will be required to pass a criminal background check. An immigrant cannot have served more than one year in prison or be convicted of 3 or more convictions and spent 90 days in jail.

As for the economic effects the bill is posing, immigrants may lose out on a variety of job opportunities that are being given to them at this time. The bill would increase the number of visas towards high-skilled workers while creating a program for unskilled workers.

The balance between determining what is most beneficial for the people of the United States, as well as the economy, is currently under review at the White House.

Taking preventative steps, such as clearing your criminal record, updating private databases, and removing your mug shot from the Internet, before the bill is passed, will increase the likelihood to remain in the United States.