America's Immigration System is Broken
Immigrants and their families work hard, pay taxes and want to
become American citizens. However, current immigration policies leave
million of immigrants in the shadows, vulnerable to abuse because they
lack legal documentation, and unable to fully participate in a country
they help build. This mismatch between outdated policies and the
economic realities of our country has led to millions of immigrants
being denied basic rights as well as thousands of unnecessary deaths at
the border.
- There are approximately 12 million undocumented persons living in the United States.
- Families can wait up to 20 years to be reunited with immediate family members, including spouse, children, parents and siblings.
- The majority of the adult undocumented population work at least one
job and pay taxes. Many pay into the Social Security system money that
they will never be able to access.
- Undocumented minor children can live almost their entire lives in
the United States, complete High School and may even be able to finance
college. But they can never qualify for skilled jobs that require
documentation.
- Undocumented persons live in fear: of accessing health care, of
requesting police assistance, of organizing for better work
conditions.
- In 2006, the entire quota of 90,500 H-1B visas was exhausted within two months.
Be sure to read our Principles for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
