The Senate group dubbed the “Gang of Eight” released the new bipartisan immigration bill earlier today after being delayed out of respect for the tragedy in Boston.
“This bill is clearly a compromise, and no one will get everything they wanted, including me. But it is largely consistent with the principles that I have repeatedly laid out for comprehensive reform,” said President Obama.
Specific changes the legislation calls for are new visa programs for skilled workers, a tough focus on border patrolling, and a new requirement for all employers to check the legal status of their employees through the government program E-Verify.
Some Democrats have concerns with the path-to-citizenship details outlined within the bill, citing elements that delay the process of obtaining a citizenship, which include having to pay high fines, fees and taxes.
Republicans claim that the bill grants amnesty for people who are in the U.S. without documents and opens the door for widespread immigration that could have an effect on wages.
“I don’t think there’s anybody out there that can say this is my dream legislation. But I think that it’s important to keep the whole in perspective, and where we’re trying to go,” said Clarissa Martinez, Director of Immigration at National Council of La Raza.
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