Jeff Flake and Luis Guitierrez introduced the STRIVE Act of 2007, a comprehensive immigration reform bill that will be sponsored in the Senate by John McCain and Ted Kennedy. Here’s at-a-glance information on the bill, as put out by its sponsors:
Securing our borders The STRIVE Act increases enforcement personnel on the border. It also requires a thorough evaluation of information-sharing, international and federal-state-local coordination, technology, anti-smuggling, and other border security initiatives to ensure that we are doing everything possible to bolster border security. The Gutierrez-Flake bill also calls for the development of multilateral partnerships to establish a North American security perimeter and improve border security on the Mexican southern border.
Strengthening interior enforcement The Gutierrez-Flake bill increases penalties for crimes committed by immigrants, including those related to smuggling and gang activities. The legislation includes provisions to combat passport and visa fraud, and it increases penalties for trafficking in fake documents. The bill also stiffens penalties related to illegal immigration.
Bolstering employment verification The STRIVE Act sets up an employment verification system whereby employers would be required to confirm each potential employee’s eligibility to work. The new system would eventually apply to all workers and all new hires, and would be rolled out in phases, beginning with critical infrastructure employers and large employers. The legislation increases penalties against employers who do not comply with the new system.
New worker program that reflects realities of our workforce The Gutierrez-Flake bill sets up a new worker program for low-skilled workers, when a U.S. worker cannot be found to fill a needed job. It addresses the failures and problems with past worker programs and charts a new course that better protects workers, while more effectively and efficiently meeting the needs of employers. The program mandates strong workplace protections. In addition, employers would be required to provide foreign workers with the same wages and working conditions enjoyed by U.S. workers. Workers also would have the ability to change jobs and eventually get on a path to citizenship, if they choose. The worker visa would be valid for 3 years and renewable once.
Reforming a broken visa system in a way that protects families The STRIVE Act overhauls the family-based and employment-based immigration system to reduce backlogs and inefficiencies. The legislation provides opportunities for high skilled workers to come to, and remain in, the U.S. It also addresses employment needs in shortage occupations, such as nursing.
Earned legalization for hardworking, deserving individuals Under the legislation, undocumented workers, who pay a fine and pass extensive and thorough background examinations, would be eligible for conditional status with work and travel authorization for 6 years. If, during those six years, the worker remains employed, continues to be an upstanding member of the community, learns English and civics, and pays any owed taxes, they could be eligible to adjust their status if they leave the country and re-enter legally.
The Gutierrez-Flake bill also includes the DREAM Act and AgJobs, as introduced in the 110th Congress.
Miscellaneous The bill also would increase resources for the immigration court system, provides relief for immigrant victims of the 9-11 attacks and their families, and it facilitates naturalization for members of the armed forces.
http://www.azcongresswatch.com/---------------
Pelosi Statement on Introduction of Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the introduction of the Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill, Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007 (STRIVE Act of 2007):
“I applaud today’s introduction of the STRIVE Act of 2007. It is a significant step forward.
“It reflects a strong commitment by a bipartisan group of House Members toward realistic and comprehensive immigration reform. It provides an excellent framework for Congress and the President to begin work on the vital task of immigration reform, collaboratively and on a bipartisan basis. The President should embrace this framework.
“Our priorities on immigration reform are clear. Our first responsibility to the American people is their safety. We must secure our borders and enforce our laws, while also protecting against discrimination and adhering faithfully to the rule of law. At the same time, we must enact immigration reform that is humane and honors our American tradition of being a nation of immigrants and a land of opportunity for all.
“Today, the House has begun the hard work of addressing immigration reform.”
http://www.house.gov/pelosi/press/releases/March07/Immigration.html
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