Immigration: issues and perspectives for businesses.

• Author: Davila, Serena
• Position: WashingtonINSIGHTS

Most of us have a story within our own family that tells of our personal dealings with immigration. For some, it may be our grandparents' story; for others, our parents'; for still others, it is our own story of immigration into the United States.

Almost everyone can relate to the immigration issue in one way or another. The topic often provokes a lot of emotion, and has recently garnered a lot of attention on Capitol Hill and in the press. Immigrants are also having more of an impact on the economy than ever before through the sheer power of their large numbers. The changes are especially noticeable in areas of the country that a few years ago did not have many immigrants.

We need to gain a better understanding of this issue and prepare for any effects immigrants may have on business. While not aiming to tackle all the issues raised by this complex topic, there are a few Capitol Hill perspectives I'd like to share.

Most recently, there have been two approaches to illegal immigration in Congress. The House of Representatives' view focuses on border control and law enforcement, while the Senate's approach, in part, emphasizes the work employers should do to monitor the workplace.

As always, Democrats and Republicans differ. For example, in late May, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) commented on the Senate bill, saying, "Unfortunately, the United States Senate today let the American people down by passing a deeply flawed bill that gives the illegal alien population every benefit this nation can bestow, and increases future legal immigration levels by three to five times the current level."

In contrast, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) notes on his website that "we need realistic and comprehensive solutions that will protect our borders, enable temporary workers to enter the country legally, and allow workers already here to earn legal status." In March, Kennedy also noted, "Immigrants have built this country and helped make it great. They have provided the labor and the services that are the bedrock of our economy. To our opponents who say so casually, 'Turn them into criminals,' we reply, 'Turn them into Americans."

The House is holding hearings on several of the immigration issues that have been raised, such as the impact on American workers and the role of the English language, illegal immigration and the burden placed on the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and if the agency would be overtaxed by the provisions of the Senate...