Most polls reveal a public consensus that our current immigration laws and policies are not working well. For years a national debate
has ensued over the direction and details of what a new national policy and immigration law might include. Significantly, in 2013, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, S. 744 was introduced and passed by the Senate. S. 744 proposed several significant changes to US immigration laws, including a path to legal residence for undocumented immigrants and reforms to employment-based and family-based immigration. Subsequently, the House of Representatives introduced several pieces of immigration reform legislation, some of which passed out of committee, but have gone no further.
For immigration reform to move forward however, both Democrats and Republicans and the House and the Senate will need to agree on legislation.
Changing US immigration laws continues to be a subject that attracts public attention, but will require further action in order to be more than just a subject to debate.
Immigrants should be wary of individuals who promise results based on proposed changes in the immigration laws that have not yet passed. For more information visit consumer protection resources. For questions about whether you qualify for immigration status under the current laws, speak only with individuals authorized to provide such advice.
Additional Resources on Immigration Reform
American Immigration Council
Congressional Research Service
Policy discussion on unauthorized immigrants
Comprehensive Immigration Reform in the 113th Congress
Immigration and Legislation Issues in the 113th Congress
National Immigration Forum
Migration Policy Institute
US Chamber of Commerce Immigration Myths and Facts
The White House