EWIC PRINCIPLES FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM

-Reform should be comprehensive addressing future workforce needs, the existing unauthorized worker population, and a workable employment eligibility verification system.  

-Reform should create an immigration system that allows for sufficient immigrants and temporary workers to meet the economic needs of the country.

-Reform should create a program for hard working, tax paying unauthorized workers to earn permanent status after meeting strict requirements such as law enforcement screening and learning English.

-Reform should create a fair employment eligibility verification system that functions efficiently, effectively, and inexpensively for employers, workers, and government agencies.

-Reform should ensure that U.S. workers are not displaced by foreign workers.

-Reform should strengthen homeland security by providing for the screening of foreign workers and creating a disincentive for illegal immigration.

-Reform should strengthen the rule of law by establishing clear, sensible immigration laws that are efficiently and vigorously enforced.

EWIC IMMIGRATION POLICY OUTLINE

A.  New Non-Immigrant Programs Based on Economic Needs

   -A short-term program for industries that have short-term needs for one year or less.

   -A long-term program that could be renewed if there are continuing needs.

B.  New Immigrant Visa (Permanent Residence) Program Based Upon Economic Needs

   -Available to participants in either short-term or long-term non-immigrant programs.

   -Based upon petition by either Employer or Employee through a test of the U.S. labor market.

   -With sufficient numbers of immigrant visas.

   -New employment-based permanent visas should not come at the expense of other immigration categories.

C. Mechanism for Undocumented Workers in the U.S. to Earn Legal Status

   -Establish a mechanism to allow undocumented, taxpaying and otherwise admissible workers in the U.S. to earn a legal status.

   -Define clear requirements and obligations for eligible and qualified participants.

   -Conversion to lawful status should be based upon employability, although not necessarily a particular employer.

D.  Workable Immigration Enforcement System

   -Enforcement of immigration laws is critical for economic, national security and for successful comprehensive immigration reform.

   -Pairing enforcement with an updated legal immigration system to reduce undocumented immigration will result in adequate screening of the workforce, more control over undocumented workforce, and a shift in focus to the very small percentage of bad actors who seek to abuse the system.

   -Enforcement reform should clearly define requirements and obligations for all parties.

   -New enforcement regimes must not penalize employers for their past inability to comply with a broken system.

E.  Funding for Immigration programs

   -Dedicate resources to fund continuing program initiatives.

   -Provide start-up funding for structuring and implementing new program.