Overview:
(This proposal includes an amendment to make a better balance between fairness, accountability and practicality. It respects the contributions of undocumented workers while safeguarding the value of U.S. citizenship and ensuring residency is a privilege, not a right. By adopting these changes, the proposal addresses legitimate concerns raised by T Cottrell while complementing my original vision)
This policy addresses the realities of the U.S. labor market and the millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing and working within the country. By providing a structured, legal path for temporary work status and, for those who wish, a path to citizenship, this proposal offers a balanced solution to both economic demands and humanitarian concerns. This policy will bring undocumented immigrants into the formal economy, creating a significant boost to tax revenue, supporting essential industries, and reducing the strain on immigration enforcement.
Key Policy Points:
1. Temporary Work Immigration Status with Permanent Residency Option
(amendment at the end of this proposal to address legitimate concerns by many)
- Immigrants who wish to work in the U.S. temporarily or establish long-term residency will have the opportunity to apply for a āTemporary Work Immigration Status,ā with the option for a permanent residency for those who intend to remain, or in some cases even structured path to citizenship.
- This status recognizes two primary groups: temporary laborers who aim to work and return to their home countries as many do, and those seeking to establish permanent roots in the U.S.*
2. 90-Day Registration Period
- Current undocumented workers will have a 90-day window to register for temporary work status without needing to leave the U.S. Applications will detail intended work, level of expertise, and wages, and will include personal information and background checks.
- This one-time amnesty period encourages transparency while acknowledging immigrants who have already contributed to the U.S. economy.*
3. Collaboration with Home Country Consulates
- Immigrants must register with their home country consulate. The U.S. government will collaborate with foreign consulates and governments to facilitate registration and ensure accountability for applicants.
4. Background Checks and Deportation for Criminals
- All applicants must pass a background check. Those who fail will be ineligible and subject to deportation. Those who commit felonies in the U.S. (e.g., aggravated assault, DUI) will lose eligibility permanently.
- This ensures that the program protects American communities and only benefits law-abiding individuals.*
5. Business Participation in Labor Needs
- To ensure the program meets genuine labor demands, U.S. businesses will declare their workforce needs. Eligible immigrants will be authorized to work based on verified industry needs, such as in agriculture and construction.
- By structuring labor allocations, this policy helps address workforce shortages in high-demand sectors while protecting against labor exploitation.
6. Sponsored Employment and Reporting
- Immigrants must have a sponsoring employer to work legally. If terminated, they will have a 30-day grace period to secure new sponsorship or face return to their home country.
- This ensures stability in employment and helps track compliance with employment and immigration regulations.
7. Independent Business Owners with Employees
- Immigrants in the program who own businesses with two or more employees will be eligible to register as business owners under this policy and must meet all legal and tax obligations.
- This provision promotes entrepreneurship among immigrants while ensuring that all businesses operate within legal frameworks.
Benefits to the U.S. Economy:
1. Increased Tax Revenue
- Registered immigrants will begin reporting and paying taxes without fear of deportation. This new source of tax revenue will support public services, infrastructure, and social programs.*
2. Workforce Stability in Essential Sectors
- With high demand for labor in agriculture and construction, this policy provides a legal workforce for these vital sectors, stabilizing production and growth in areas where current U.S. citizens are often unwilling or unable to fill roles.
3. Reduction of Exploitative Work Conditions
- Providing legal work status reduces the exploitation of undocumented workers, raising job standards and wages across industries where under-the-table practices are common.
4. Enhanced National Security
- By identifying and registering current undocumented immigrants, this policy improves national security, as millions of immigrants currently untracked will now undergo background checks and be accountable under U.S. law.
5. Strengthening of Diplomatic Relations
- Coordinating with foreign consulates to manage this immigration program enhances diplomatic relations and reinforces mutual accountability between the U.S. and neighboring countries.
Additional Provisions to Consider:
- A yearly evaluation of labor needs and adjustments to the temporary work status numbers to ensure alignment with economic demands
- Provisions to protect immigrant workers from unfair labor practices, including minimum wage guarantees and safe working conditions.
- Community and legal support resources to help immigrants integrate, including language and job training programs where needed.*
Conclusion:
This immigration policy is a practical, humane, and economically beneficial approach to addressing undocumented workers in the U.S. It formalizes the status of millions of laborers, provides a structured path for integration or return, and strengthens the economy by bringing essential workers into the formal workforce. By striking a balance between strict background checks and opportunities for legal work, this proposal ensures that America remains safe, prosperous, and inclusive.
PROVISIONS TO ADDRESS CITIZENSHIP CONCERNS AND STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY
(these provisions are intended to complement the original proposal by addressing concerns about illegal entry and safeguarding citizenship integrity)
Core Adjustments to Original Plan:
1. Two Pathways for Participants
- Path to Permanent Residency Only (No Citizenship or Voting Rights)**:
- Individuals who entered the U.S. illegally will be eligible for permanent residency status but not citizenship. This ensures their contributions are recognized while maintaining the principle that entering illegally forfeits the right to vote or hold citizenship.
- Permanent residents may live, work, and pay taxes in the U.S., and they can benefit from certain public systems. However, they will not be allowed to vote, run for office, or own land outright (similar to the Bahamian system).
- Path to Citizenship (Heightened Requirements)**:
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A narrow and limited pathway to citizenship may be offered to specific groups, such as:
- Individuals who serve in the U.S. military for a specified period.
- Those who complete a service-based program, such as a medical deployment or other community service initiatives, to contribute significantly to American society.
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Applicants must demonstrate exceptional integration, such as long-term tax compliance, English fluency, community involvement, and adherence to U.S. laws.
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2. Dreamers as a Separate Category
- Children brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents would be eligible for a path to citizenship under a separate framework, recognizing that they were not culpable for their entry. This disincentivizes illegal crossings with children in the future.
- Dreamers must meet specific criteria, such as education attainment, military service, or employment, to qualify for citizenship.
3. Permanent Residency with Accountability
- All participants in the program will be issued a unique identifier (similar to a Social Security number but marked for non-citizen permanent residents).
- This status requires ongoing tax compliance, adherence to laws, and sponsorship/employment.
- Criminal activity results in immediate forfeiture of residency and deportation.
4. Land Ownership Restrictions for Non-Citizens
- Non-citizen permanent residents may lease land under strict criteria but will not have the right to outright ownership. This measure ensures that vital national resources remain under citizen control.
5. Safeguards Against Political Manipulation
- The policy will include measures to prevent any future administration from using this program to influence voting blocs. Examples include permanent disqualification from voting for those in the residency-only track.
- Transparency and oversight mechanisms will be established to ensure the program serves labor needs and not political agendas.
6. Residency by Grace of the American People
- This amended proposal emphasizes that residency is granted as an act of goodwill by the American people. It is not a right but a privilege contingent on compliance, contribution, and respect for U.S. laws and values.
Complementary Benefits of This Amended Plan
1. Respect for Rule of Law and Citizenship
ā¢ By distinguishing between citizenship and permanent residency, the policy upholds the principle that illegal entry has consequences while still addressing the labor and economic contributions of undocumented workers.
2. Economic Integration Without Political Manipulation
ā¢ Granting permanent residency (but not citizenship) ensures participants contribute to the economy without impacting the political system through voting or land ownership.
3. Preservation of Citizenship Integrity
ā¢ Maintaining a rigorous, limited pathway to citizenship ensures that those who achieve it have made exceptional contributions and fully integrated into American society.
4. Humanitarian Balance
ā¢ The proposal recognizes the contributions of undocumented workers and provides them with stability and security while ensuring they do not burden public systems or undermine the rights of legal citizens.
5. Public Support and Bipartisan Appeal
ā¢ By addressing both economic realities and concerns about political manipulation, this amended proposal is more likely to gain support from a broader spectrum of stakeholders, including those with stricter views on immigration.
Provision to Prioritize Employment for Unemployed U.S. Citizens and Veterans
Objective:
To ensure that U.S. citizens, especially unemployed military veterans, are prioritized for job opportunities in industries currently reliant on undocumented labor, while maintaining economic stability in sectors with persistent labor shortages.
Implementation Plan:
1. National Employment Preference Program (NEPP):
- Employers in high-demand industries, such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, must demonstrate efforts to recruit unemployed U.S. citizens, including military veterans, before hiring through the Temporary Work Immigration Status program.
- Recruitment efforts must include a 60-day minimum period of job postings and active outreach through local employment offices, veteransā organizations, and workforce development programs.
2. Veteransā Workforce Initiative (VWI):
- Establish a federally funded initiative to connect unemployed military veterans with job opportunities in industries experiencing labor shortages.
- Provide tax credits, grants, or subsidies to employers who hire veterans in these fields.
- Offer tailored training programs to help veterans transition to civilian careers, focusing on skills relevant to high-demand jobs.
3. Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs:
- Launch a nationwide effort to upskill U.S. citizens and veterans in trades and industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor.
- Programs will be funded by federal and state governments and will include partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and private employers.
4. Strengthening Employment Verification Systems:
- Enhance the E-Verify system to ensure employers comply with hiring priority rules for U.S. citizens and legal residents.
- Conduct regular audits of businesses that employ significant numbers of immigrant workers to verify compliance with employment preference mandates.
5. Mandatory Workforce Transition Plans:
- Require industries with a high dependency on undocumented labor to submit detailed transition plans outlining how they will reduce reliance on immigrant workers over time.
- These plans must include provisions for hiring U.S. citizens and veterans, as well as strategies for workforce development and retention.
6. Ongoing Oversight and Evaluation:
- Create a joint task force involving the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security to oversee implementation and assess the impact of these measures.
- Adjust the program as necessary to ensure it reduces unemployment while maintaining economic stability.
Expected Benefits:
ā¢ Reduced Unemployment: U.S. citizens and veterans will gain increased access to stable, well-paying jobs in industries with persistent labor shortages.
ā¢ Economic Stability: Gradually transitioning jobs to U.S. citizens ensures industries maintain the labor force needed for growth while promoting workforce self-reliance.
ā¢ Support for Veterans: The program honors the service of military veterans by providing meaningful pathways to civilian employment.
ā¢ Fair and Balanced Policy: This provision complements the broader immigration reform by prioritizing American workers while recognizing the ongoing need for immigrant labor in specific sectors.