| The League of Women Voters has completed a two-year
National Immigration Study. A goal of this study was to help
communities understand the implications of immigration at
various levels: local, state and federal. As part of this
project, League members and leaders explored the underlying
values and principles of immigration, reasons for immigration,
current federal immigration policy, and the impact of immigration
in American society. After a comprehensive study of this complex
issue, the LWVUS Board of Directors unanimously adopted the
following position:
The League of Women Voters believes that immigration policies
should promote reunification of immediate families; meet the
economic, business and employment needs of the United States;
and be responsive to those facing political persecution or
humanitarian crises. Provision should also be made for qualified
persons to enter the U.S. on student visas. All persons should
receive fair treatment under the law.
The League supports federal immigration law that provides an efficient, expeditious system (with minimal
or no backlogs) for legal entry of immigrants into the U.S.
To complement these goals the League supports federal policies to improve economies, education, job
opportunities, and living conditions in nations with large emigrating populations.
In transition to a reformed system, the League supports provisions for unauthorized immigrants already
in the country to earn legal status.
The League supports federal payments to impacted communities to address the financial costs borne by
states and local governments with large immigrant populations.
Criteria for Legal Admission to the U.S.
The League supports the following criteria for legal admission of persons into the United States:
- Family reunification of spouses or minor children with authorized immigrants
or citizens;
- Flight from persecution or response to humanitarian crises in home countries;
- Economic, business and employment needs in the U.S.;
- Education and training needs of the U.S.;
- Educational program opportunities; and
- Lack of a history of serious criminal activity.
Administration and Enforcement
The League supports due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, right to counsel,
right of appeal and right to humane treatment.
The League supports:
- Improved technology to facilitate employer verification of employee status;
- Verification documents, such as status cards and work permits, with secure identifiers;
- Significant fines and penalties for employers who hire unauthorized workers;
- Improved technology for sharing information among federal agencies;
- More effective tracking of individuals who enter the United States; and
- Increased personnel at borders.
The League also supports programs allowing foreign workers to enter and leave the U.S. to meet seasonal or
sporadic labor needs.
Unauthorized Immigrants Already in the U.S.
In achieving overall policy goals, the League supports a system for unauthorized immigrants already in the
country to earn legal status, including citizenship, by paying taxes, learning English, studying
civics and meeting other relevant criteria. While policy reforms, including a path to legal status, remain
unachieved, the League does not support deporting unauthorized immigrants who have no history of
criminal activity.
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