AHC Update on Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 8, 2004) -- The American Horse Council issued this analysis on President Bush's immigration reform proposal.

Introduction
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the issue of immigration reform was essentially dismissed as new efforts were initiated to improve border security. However, it is widely accepted now by Congress and the Bush Administration that immigration reform is greatly needed. The specifics of that reform must still be determined.

The Bush Administration Proposal
Highlighting this renewed emphasis, President Bush announced on Wednesday, January 7th, that he will work with Congress to bring about immigration reform. His reform package is wide-ranging and includes many reforms, some of which would benefit the horse industry.
President Bush announced that he intends to introduce a plan which would make it easier for foreigners to work legally in the United States. Below please find some general principles of the Bush proposal.

It is not an amnesty program. It does not establish citizenship; rather, it establishes a "temporary worker program."

President Bush's proposal would allow an illegal immigrant already inside the United States, or an alien abroad, to apply for the right to work legally in the United States for a three-year period, which could be renewed for another three years.

Workers must return to their home country at the end of the term unless the term is renewed. Workers could also leave and reenter the United States during their work period.

If the alien is already in the United States, he or she must pay a registration fee and show that they are employed. An applicant in their home country would not have to pay a fee provided they had a job lined up before they apply.

The employer must show that no Americans wanted the job and therefore it was extended to an alien. The employer is required to make every reasonable effort to find and employ American workers. In addition, the employer is required to notify the government when an employer in the temporary worker program has left the position.

This announcement by the White House is important because it means that the President is once again supporting immigration reform. While the general principles seem beneficial, as always the specifics of the proposal, which will be released later, will be critical.

Conclusion
This proposal is very broad and the benefits would apply to occupations in the equine industry – from horse farms to the race tracks. In effect, this is a "guest worker" program that would benefit both the agricultural and non-agricultural segments of the horse industry. However, it is a presidential election year and legislation tends to move very slowly. Democrats will be very reluctant to hand over a "victory" in the form of a passed bill to President Bush before the election. In addition, there already are several bills that have been introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate that address immigration reform. The sponsors of these bills will try very hard to have their reforms included in any final package that may be passed by Congress.