U.S. immigration policy

de Jeb Bush, Thomas F. McLarry, Edward H. Alden

"The goal of the Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy was to examine this complex issue and craft a nuanced strategy for reforming immigration policies and practices. The Task Force report argues that immigration is vital to the long-term prosperity and security of the United States. In the global competition to attract highly talented immigrants, the United States must ensure that it remains the destination of first choice. The report also finds that immigrants, who bring needed language and cultural skills, are an increasingly important asset for the U.S. armed forces. What is more, allowing people to come to this country to visit, study, or work is one of the surest means to build friendships with future generations of foreign leaders and to show America's best face to the world. The Task Force report recommends that Congress and the administration launch a new effort to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation, built around a grand bargain with three elements: improvements to the legal immigration system so that it functions more efficiently to attract and retain talented and ambitious immigrants, a robust enforcement regime that secures America's borders and strongly discourages employers from hiring illegal workers, and a program of legalization that will allow many of those already living in the United States illegally to earn the right to remain. The report calls for new measures to bring in the best foreign students by removing many of the quotas and other roadblocks currently in place.".