Thread: a new U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform

Originally Posted by alamb

A bipartisan US Commision on Immigration Reform was enacted in law in 1990. It's mandate was to review and evaluate the implementation and impact of U.S. immigration policy and to submit its findings and recommendations to Congress. The commision was then dissolved in 1997. One of the final reports was Becoming An American: Immigration and Immigrant Policy. See http://www.numbersusa.com/hottopic/uscir.html for details.

Question: Why aren't we resurrecting such a commission and get on with the proper business of discussing immigration with the facts and then, and only then legislate so-called comprehensive immigration reform.?

The last report shows why they were desolved................................

1 9 9 7
REPORT TO
CONGRESS
U.S. COMMISSION ON IMMIGRATION REFORM
In addition, we urge Congress to reconsider the welfare reform legislation adopted in 1996 that
makes legal immigrants ineligible for basic safety net programs. Requiring immigrants to become
citizens in order to receive the protections afforded by these programs debases citizenship.
Further, making citizenship rather than legal status the determinant of eligibility blurs the distinction
between legal immigrants, whom we welcome, and illegal aliens.
Restoring the credibility of our immigration system cannot happen unless the federal government
is structured and managed effectively. While the Executive Branch has taken significant
steps to address many of the weaknesses in current operations, the organization of the immigration
system undermines reform efforts. Hence, in this report, we recommend a fundamental
restructuring and streamlining of responsibilities for immigration.
Our work benefitted greatly from the effective cooperation we received from the Executive
Branch and both Houses of Congress. We also thank the dozens of researchers who have
contributed the results of their scholarship and the hundreds of community leaders, government
officials, service providers and other experts who participated in our public hearings and consultations.
I particularly thank my fellow Commissioners. We have struggled with many tough issues, and
we have reached consensus on nearly all of our recommendations. Without the dedication, hard
work, and good humor of the members of this Commission, we could not have achieved this
agreement. The work of the Commission could not have been accomplished without the support
of an extraordinary staff led by Susan Martin, Executive Director and Andrew Schoenholtz,
Deputy Director, assisted by the members of the Policy Research, the Public Affairs, Editorial,
and Administrative Staffs. Each staff member has worked tirelessly to provide the Commission
with volumes of valuable information, policy memoranda, and logistical support. The Commission
is also indebted to the Executive Branch for lending outstanding career persons to serve on
the Commission’s staff.
Sincerely,
Shirley M. Hufstedler
Chair

Interesting. "Restoring the credibility of our immigration system cannot happen unless the federal government
is structured and managed effectively. While the Executive Branch has taken significant
steps to address many of the weaknesses in current operations, the organization of the immigration
system undermines reform efforts. Hence, in this report, we recommend a fundamental
restructuring and streamlining of responsibilities for immigration."

iSN'T IT THOUGH?