,Fixing Border Security and Immigration: A Memo to President-elect Obama

Fixing Border Security and Immigration: A Memo to President-elect Obama


 

Publication Date: December 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James Jay Carafano; Jena Baker McNeill

Research Area: Population and demographics

Keywords: Temporary workers; Immigration policy; Presidential transition

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

America has been good for immigrants, and immigrants have been good for America, but over the past several decades immigration policy has become confused and unfocused. Our current policies are not working. Illegal immigrants are straining federal and state budgets. Local social services find it hard to meet growing needs. Gaping holes in our southern border aggravate this problem and create numerous other security risks while doing nothing for U.S. employers who are looking for a better solution to our labor shortages.