Demos, GOP Joust to Frame a New Policy on Immigration

In 2001, illegal immigration came to national attention in the US as the Bush administration began reviewing a proposal for immigration reform that would have permitted illegal workers to remain employed in the US. After Sept. 11, however, Washington's attention turned to security issues, and the proposal was dropped. Now, with the promise of a significant Hispanic electorate in the 2004 US elections, both Republicans and Democrats are paying closer attention to the growing problem of illegal immigrants from Mexico and Latin America. The Republicans are proposing various arrangements, including allowing a three-year legal working status with social security and healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants. The Democrats, however, want to include full amnesty provisions in the reforms. While the final details have yet to be worked out, one thing is clear – politicians in the US now have to court the Latino vote if they want to win. – YaleGlobal