Major right-leaning think tank publishes a detailed plan for immigration reform in six key areas

In this document, the Niskanen Center lays out its analysis of what is not working in our current immigration system and proposes policies to reform the system. Many of the Center’s recommendations echo those of comprehensive immigration reform proposals that have been offered by other organizations since our immigration system was last updated 35 years ago. The document divides the immigration system into six key areas, and for each provides an analysis of problems, a statement of principles to inform reforms, and policy recommendations to achieve those principles. In the area of enforcement and security, the authors believe the focus should be on removing serious criminals and recent entrants, and that we should create a more robust employment verification and entry-exit program. Admissions should be guided by national interests, with quotas fluctuating depending on labor market needs. States should be allowed to establish visa programs to meet local needs, and a path to legal status should be provided to long-resident undocumented immigrants who meet certain conditions. The nation needs to rebuild its institutional capacity to effectively manage migration through investment in staff, infrastructure and technology. Regarding humanitarian relief, the current system is overwhelmed, eroding public support. Separate systems for asylum and refugee admissions should be integrated and harmonized. To relieve pressure at the border, the U.S. should establish processing capabilities at remote regional hubs and work with other countries to resettle migrants in countries throughout the western hemisphere. Within the U.S., states, communities, and religious organizations should be able to sponsor additional humanitarian migrants. Regarding integration, the U.S. should boost support for English language and civic education programs; foster military service as a pathway to citizenship; and support community integration initiatives. In a section on “Fortifying American power abroad,” the authors state their belief that immigration can and should be used as a strategic tool to strengthen alliances and gain advantage over competitor nations — by giving migration preference to democratic allies; focusing on the recruitment of top talent from competitors; and by providing expedited refuge to pro-democracy activists, journalists, and other dissidents of authoritarian regimes. (Maurice Belanger, Maurice Belanger Associates)