Immigration
Over the past couple of years, immigration has emerged as one of the hottest public policy issues across America. According to a nationwide Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll conducted in 2007, 81% of American registered voters said illegal immigration was "important" or "one of the most important" problems facing our country.
Multiple attempts at federal immigration reform have all failed. To fill the void, state and local governments have passed their own immigration bills.
Chamber leaders should keep in mind that immigration is not just about unskilled workers illegally crossing our southern border. Legal and illegal immigrants arrive to the United States from all parts of the world and bring a wide array of skill sets. In many parts of the country immigrants are a vital part of the workforce and legislation targeting immigrants can have unforeseen consequences for the local economy.
If immigration is a hot topic in your community, let us know how your chamber is dealing with the issue. Email ACCE Public Policy Manager Ian Scott.
Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer came under fire during the fall of 2007 for a controversial proposal to grant a driver's license to illegal immigrants.
Employer Sanctions
In relation to immigration policy, employer sanctions (or employer crackdown) describe policies which punish employers for hiring undocumented (illegal) immigrants.
Oklahoma’s Immigration Laws
Oklahoma HB 1804 has made national headlines as one of the nation’s most aggressive immigration reform bills.