On Tuesday, the United States Senate panel put to the floor a milestone immigration bill with the approval of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill marks a number of major changes in the immigration policy of the United States of America. It is expected to bring about heated discussion in the Senate in the coming month.
The ten Democrats in the Committee found allies in three Republican senators. The bill has four Republican authors.
13-5 vote
The almost 900-page immigration bill was voted 13-5. The bill primarily benefits 11 million illegal migrants. The bill will facilitate a 13-year journey of illegal residents. It will also strengthen the security of the border of the USA with southwestern Mexico which has long been the site of illegal migration. The bill was largely influenced by the move from the Republicans to decrease restrictions on companies in the high-tech niche that are seeking to hire skilled workers from China and India.
“Gang of Eight”
The approved immigration bill contains the core elements that have been put together by a bipartisan group after five work sessions. Now that bill is on the Senate floor the supporters of the bill can claim a major victory. Once on the floor, the bill will be dissected and considered further. Should this bill be fully enacted, the sweeping changes that follow will become the first major overhaul of US immigration policy since 1986.
Harry Reid, a Democrat Senator from Nevada lauded the “masterful” work done by the Judiciary Committee headed by Senator Patrick Leahy. The Committee needed to navigate through around 300 amendments that have been proposed.
Unexpected withdrawal
Prior to the vote, Senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee withdrew an amendment pertaining to sponsorship of foreigners for permanent status for people engaged in same-sex relationships. According to other members of the committee the amendment assures the death of the legislation in Congress. The dramatic move by Leahy boosts federal support for same-sex relationships involving bi-nationals.
Democrats have been known to favor and advocate equal treatment of homosexuals and heterosexuals. Republicans are typically opposed to this point of view. Leahy has reiterated his commitment in ending this discriminatory outlook before he withdrew the amendment.
Instrumental in moving the issue forward
Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah, a Republican has demanded certain changes in visa ruling pertinent to high-skilled works on behalf of the technology industry in the US. Senator Hatch said that this is the “price for his support.” Another Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell said that Senator Hatch has contributed much to “moving the issue forward” and added that this is an encouraging sign. He also confirmed that he will not block the measure.
So far the signs are pointing to winning a solid majority when the full chamber convenes.
Provisions
Aside from facilitating legal citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the US and strengthening border security, the bill raises the cap on visas particularly for highly skills workers. It also establishes a novel visa program for low-skilled workers (e.g. farm workers).
Photo Credit: US Capitol Dome
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