Immigration Debate Heats Up

About 12 million immigrants live and work illegally in the United States, according to a recent study by the Pew Hispanic Center. As the US Senate debates tough new laws restricting illegal immigration, a coalition of activists who support immigration – including unions like the AFL-CIO, religious groups like Catholic Bishops and business organizations like the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – plan an April 10 protest that encourages immigrants to stop working for a day. Activists hope that the national "Day Without an Immigrant" will shut down farms, hotels, restaurants, and meat plants, thus showing how immigrants contribute to the US economy. Critics of the activism contend that proposed legislation target only illegal immigration, which also reduces opportunity for those who immigrate legally. Legislation approved by the US House of Representatives would tighten border protection and electronic monitoring. The bill would also authorize local police to detain illegal immigrants and penalize businesses that hire such employees with fines and jail time. Talk about the tough new measures has already made immigrants skittish about any public attention, already lightening business at stores and restaurants. – YaleGlobal