http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/l ... 337928.htm

Posted on Tue, Dec. 06, 2005
On the border of reform

Immigration plans raise other issues

BY BRENT D. WISTROM

The Wichita Eagle


Victor, an illegal immigrant who has lived in Wichita for 10 years, says the immigration reforms proposed in Washington, D.C., probably won't change anything for him.

The 23-year-old plans to keep working and living here without papers.

As he leaned over a bowl of meaty soup in a local restaurant, he said he wouldn't pay $1,000 for a three-year temporary work visa that would require him to return to Guadalajara, Mexico. That's the deal offered by one of the immigration reform proposals.

"For the people that have already been here, it's not much help," he said. "It would be better to just stay here."

The issue of what to do with an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants came back to the political forefront last week as President Bush, on a tour of border towns, reaffirmed his commitment to immigration reform.

His strategy offered few details beyond a work visa program and tamper-proof ID cards. But his calls for reform have reignited an issue that has divided much of the nation into groups that believe illegal immigrants steal jobs and strain social services, and groups that contend nonresidents do gritty, low-paying work most Americans don't want.

The House could vote as early as next week on several bills that strengthen border security. But many questions remain about how proposed laws would address employers who hire nonresidents and what to do about the millions of illegal immigrants already in the country.

Bush's plan and other initiatives, including one co-sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., encourage nonresidents already here and foreigners who want to come to the United States to become legal workers. They could stay for up to six years before returning to their home countries.

Another plan, offered by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, allows them to stay up to five years before returning. Once back in their home countries, they could apply for legal U.S. residency.

But some illegal immigrants such as Victor are worried that reforms won't address their desire to become American citizens.

Victor, who spoke on condition that his last name not be used, calls Wichita home. He has a steady food services job, a family and, like other nonresidents interviewed for this story, he does not fear la migra -- immigration officers.

He said it would probably be better to risk being caught by immigration than to pay $1,000 for a three- to six-year work visa that doesn't promise legal residency.

Many other illegal immigrants -- an estimated 47,000 of whom live in Kansas --likely feel the same way, said David Link, a Wichita immigration lawyer who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

"If there's no upside for them... it's going to be difficult to get them to do it," he said.

Illegal immigrants' reception of proposed new laws hinge on the details, such as the likelihood of becoming a permanent resident while they work under the temporary visa, and how the law will treat family members who may not have employers to vouch for them, he said.

Labor groups will examine the details of proposed laws.

Peter Salmeron, chairman of the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said a temporary guest worker program would help employers who depend on nonresident labor.

"Some people are very hesitant to hire Hispanics because they can't provide certified information," he said. "So I think this would be good and solve a lot of problems, at least for the next six years."

Salmeron is not sure what would happen after those six years. But, he said, construction and other industries depend on nonresident labor, so extensions for many people seem likely.

He said many undocumented immigrants would likely come forward for a chance to work legally.

"They are people who come here to work," he said. "They're not people who come here to ask for handouts. Typically, they're willing to do the tasks that many Americans are not willing to do."

But not everyone feels that way.

Inviting competition?

Nonresidents also use social services that cost U.S. taxpayers, according to a Center for Immigration Studies report. Nonresident households on average use $2,700 a year more in services than they pay in taxes, according to the Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan group, which says it seeks fewer immigrants but a warmer welcome for those admitted.

Steven Camarota, the center's director of research, said a bill introduced by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., could add as many as 3 million immigrants to the American population.

That could lead to more job competition for low-end jobs in food services, construction, retail and building maintenance, Camarota said. It could also promote yet more illegal immigration, since families tend to move together.

Camarota said the immigration system needs to add more officers and force them to respond when local authorities find people who may not be here legally. But, he added, it's difficult to get those types of laws passed.

"The interest groups are strong enough to prevent the laws from being enforced," he said. "The public opinion is enough to block an amnesty, but not enough to get the laws enforced."

Carlos Nolla, a Wichita immigration lawyer, said new legislation needs to address immigration laws that create long waiting periods for legal entry and can also split families.

The current system encourages some people to enter the country illegally, he said. Often one family member will receive legal residency while his or her spouse waits for the chance to enter legally. Spouses and children often come anyway.

Nolla said new legislation needs to consider what will happen when the government asks people to return to their home country.

"I think that we're a nation of laws but we also have to make sure those laws are just and fair," he said. "We need to have a fair but firm immigration policy."