Federal Immigration Proposal Tough On Border Security

Reporting from Washington

Senate Democrats officially unveiled a framework for immigration reform. The 26 page draft outlines a series of “benchmarks” that must be met before immigration status and the backlog is addressed.

Here are the benchmarks:

1. Increase the number of border patrol officers.

2. Increase the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to combat smuggling.

3.  Increase the number of ICE workplace inspectors to crack down on employers who  hire undocumented immigrants.

4. Increase the number of ICE document fraud inspectors.

5.  Increase the  number of people to inspect for drug and human traffickers and resources to prosecute them.

6.  Increase resources for the courts to quickly deport people in the U.S. unlawfully.

7. Increase technology to help ICE and border patrol agents.

After those benchmarks have been met, then the borders will receive more resources to secure the border which include sport utility vehicles, helicopters, motor boats, unmanned aircraft, remote control aircraft and mobile surveillance.

An employment verification system would be put in place. Employers who are caught hiring undocumented immigrants would see a 300% increase in fines. Repeat offenders could be put in jail.

After all that, then the immigration system would be reformed to allow more people into the U.S. and allow the undocumented already in the U.S. begin the process for residency. They can stay and work after they undergo a background check and pay hefty fines. After eight years they can apply for residency.

The DREAM Act is also part of  this framework.

Follow Leigh Ann on Twitter.
Follow the News Junkie Post on Twitter.