Pence Immigration Plan Receives Attention

One of the pillars of the Representative's program is the requirement that all illegal depart the U.S. briefly and then re-enter. This is similar to the "touch-base" proposal that has surfaced before. Another cornerstone of the proposal is that private employment agencies would be established overseas to process the applications of those applying to return to the U.S. through the guest worker program. As noted by Rep. Pence, "I believe it's amnesty if you can get right with the law by paying a fine but never have to go home." MCAA along with other Construction Trade Associations met with Congressman Pence's staff last Monday to discuss his plan and its impact on employers. The Congressman's staff has asked for our input and will be sending any new language to us for review.

In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee has begun holding hearings around the country regarding Immigration and its impact on the U.S. and our economy. Wednesday, the House Education and Workforce Committee held its first hearing on the issue since passage of the Senate bill. MCAA, along with ABC, NAHB, AGC, NRCA and PHCCA, will be sending a letter to Committee members and the House Leadership, thanking them for holding the hearing and expressing our support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.