TALKING POINTS: Immigrant Labor in the US

Is Immigrant Labor Straining or Stimulating the U.S. Economy?

What are some of the myths associated with immigration? Are they true? Take this test on Immigration in the US, see how much you know.

Immigration Policy Reform: How can immigration policy be reformed to support the US economy yet limit illegal immigration? How can the immigrant workforce be encouraged and aided to be documented workers?

The Senate and House are in strong opposition when it comes to how the Federal Government can better handle immigration and illegal immigration. The Senate would like to see amnesty for workers already in the United States illegally and create a “Guest Workers” program to allow immigrant labor into the United States. The House is trying to piecemeal together legislation before the November election to increase border patrols and stricter enforcement at the Mexico/US border.

Southwest Farm Press Article

Newday Article

Border States of the United States and Mexico met recently to discuss what to do in light of inactivity at the federal level. While US Border States called for stricter border security to limit immigration, Mexican officials called for greater support for economic development from the United States, to create bridges instead of walls at the border.

Check out this Immigration Reform document from the Center for American Progress.

Many organizations have stepped up to help out immigration populations to ensure that they have access to basic human services. Immigrants have lacked access to job safety, affordable and decent housing, healthcare and education. These organizations have helped immigrants get services in their native languages, especially healthcare services. They are teaching immigrants English, organizing immigrant labor and teaching immigrants about their rights.

All of our featured guests are spokespeople for organizations that have been recognized by the Ford Foundation and given the prestigious Leadership for a Changing World award from 2001-2005.

Leadership for a Changing World seeks to recognize, strengthen and support leaders and to highlight the importance of community leadership in improving people’s lives. The program seeks to confirm that resourceful leaders are bringing about positive change in virtually every community. Together with these leaders, Leadership for a Changing World hopes to facilitate a new dialogue about community leadership, one that encourages others to appreciate that leadership comes in many forms and from many different communities.

Each year, Leadership for a Changing World recognizes 17-20 leaders and leadership groups not broadly known beyond their immediate community or field. Nominated community leaders may work in fields that include: economic development; community development; environment and environmental justice; human rights; citizen participation and government accountability; human development; sexual and reproductive health; education reform; youth development; religion and social change; arts and social action; and access to media, including new technologies. http://leadershipforchange.org/