All-in-One

If you could make a wish and enact one major reform of U.S. immigration law, what would it be? Undoubtedly, from your perspective, it would be a worthwhile reform even if no other parts of the law were changed. The problem is that many organizations, individuals, and members of Congress would like to make one major reform, but it is unlikely a consensus could be reached on which reform it should be.

For several years, the crux of the problem has been that many people agree reforms must be made to the U.S. immigration system but disagree on the specific reforms and whether to make them piecemeal or all at once. A review of legislative activity on immigration from 2006 through 2012 illustrates why, despite the challenges, a larger, comprehensive reform bill, such as the Gang of Eight (S. 744) bill, remains the best approach to reforming U.S. immigration law. 

A Lack of Success in 2006 and 2007

The story of 2006 and 2007 really began in 2001. President George W. Bush, a former Texas governor, took office determined to forge closer ties with Mexico, including a negotiated agreement immigration and a legalized flow of workers. However, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, focused the country’s attention on national security and gaps in our immigration system. Moreover, the temporary downturn in the economy increased anxieties about unemployment. In 2004 and 2005 President Bush expressed his support for immigration reform but did not propose legislation.

In 2006, President Bush continued to urge