Congress Must Fix our Broken Immigration System – Now
OP-ED

By VALARIE LONG

Published: August 4, 2006

(English version)

House Republicans have embarked on a campaign to sway public opinion against much-needed immigration reform by focusing instead on border security alone. It is a cynical attempt to turn the tide against providing a path to citizenship for millions of hard-working, tax-paying undocumented workers.

What’s troubling about this turnabout is that just months ago, millions of immigrants and their supporters – here in Washington and throughout the country -- successfully brought the need for immigration reform into the public spotlight through large, peaceful and effective demonstrations. These protests were sparked by passage of a harsh and impractical House bill that would criminalize undocumented workers as well as the doctors and good Samaritans who provide them with medical care and help.

In the aftermath of these protests, the U.S. Senate passed a more balanced and constructive bill. Though the Senate bill needs improvements, it was a step in the right direction. The GOP’s opposition to the Senate bill, therefore, represents a giant step back.

Realistically, immigration reform must contain border security measures, including more patrol agents and new technology. But border security alone is not enough. We need to put the 12 million undocumented immigrants who are already here – working hard, paying taxes and playing by the rules – on the path to citizenship. We also need to be realistic about the future flow of immigrants, and create a guest worker program that works for our economy.

Also, the government must crack down on unscrupulous employers who break the law by exploiting undocumented workers. The current system forces these workers into low wage jobs and poor conditions, threatening workplace standards for all working people. Failing to extend workplace protections to undocumented workers will hurt all workers.

Immigration reform can and must honor our heritage as a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. Congress should not allow itself to get sidetracked by these hearings. They must stay focused on passing tough, fair and practical immigration reform legislation this year that will secure our nation, protect immigrant and worker rights and keep our economy healthy.

Valarie Long is Vice President of SEIU Local 32BJ which represents more than 85,000 property service workers in six states and Washington, D.C..