Determination of When Border is Secure Should be Based on Reasonable Metrics

As I noted yesterday, one potential problem area in the framework for immigration reform is determining when the path can eventually be cleared for pursuing green cards for immigrants who have paid their debt to the US under the legalization program. We know that they will need to wait until after those currently waiting in a queue for a green card have completed the process. Fair enough. We also know that an entry-exit system will need to be in place at the US border. Also fair enough. But Congress will also likely require a demonstration that the border is "secure" and that's where a fight is likely to take place The framework mentions a commission of governors and attorneys general in southwest border states making a determination. The first question is whether that commission's findings will be just a recommendation or will actually be enough on its own to stop the process. It's hard to imagine someone like Jan Brewer ever - EVER - saying anything that would result in Latinos in her state getting to move to becoming voting citizens.

That's why I hope that the real standard for determining whether the border is secure will be based on things we can actually count - the number of Border Patrol agents on the border, whether the net amount of illegal immigration is declining, whether all of the new technical equipment being promised in the bill is actually put in place, etc. What would not be reasonable is saying that all illegal crossings have ceased. That is simply not going to happen and to insist on this is really just saying one is anti-immigration, not just anti-illegal immigration. The Wall Street Journal explores this topic here.

Comments

[S]

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S, so the fates of all the very unlucky people should depend on the fate of a few who were luckier to start with, and thus the distribution of luck can never change - the lucky ones should get more luck, and the unlucky should wait until the lucky ones are done.

My only introjection is that the whole point of the immigration reform is to change the system because it is not fair to start with.
"

If the current proposal becomes law , the so called unlucky ones become the most luckiest ones because they get to stay in the country and work and make money while they wait for the green card . The ones that are waiting in line outside the country will get nothing. These people will not be subjected to any normal rules like VISA stamps , renewals , EADS , APS , Country caps , PERMS , 140s . Now their lobbyists are complaining about having to wait for federal benefits.

[Legal and no longer waiting]

S, so the fates of all the very unlucky people should depend on the fate of a few who were luckier to start with, and thus the distribution of luck can never change - the lucky ones should get more luck, and the unlucky should wait until the lucky ones are done.

My only introjection is that the whole point of the immigration reform is to change the system because it is not fair to start with.

[Another Voice]

This will be the carrot in a stick the donkey never gets to eat. They will keep moving the posts for political gain. Both parties can continue to blame each other while riding a few elections saying they supported CIR.

[S]

Some filipinos are waiting for more than 20 years in line. I dont believe for a moment that all these 11 million people will go to the back of the line and wait behind those filipinos.