"The only alternative to increased immigration are mounting debts or reduced social services- a practical system of work-based immigration for both high-skilled and low-skilled immigrants-a system that will include a path to citizenship-will help us meet workforce needs, prevent exportation of jobs to foreign countries and protect against the exploitation of workers."
"The best way to prevent illegal immigration is to make sure that we have a fair and workable system of legal immigration. The current immigration system is neither."
Jeb Bush and Clint Bolick, "Solving the Immigration Puzzle," Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2013.
"If the message to American students is "Do not bother working hard for a high -service degree, because we can import someone to do the job for less" we could do significant long-term damage to the high tech educational system we value so dearly." Ross Eisenbrey, "America's Genius Glut," New York Times, February 7, 2013.
Question:
A) Is the "immigration issue" one of demographics? Evaluate the chances of a "comprehensive immigration policy" turning away from racial and ethnic quota towards "opportunities not burdens."
B) Why is the system of legal immigration not working?
C) Evaluate the net social and economic benefits accruing to the United States of facilitating the importation of skilled workers.