By Kelly McDarby

Early this week, news was released that a new immigration reform bill is set to hit the Senate floor in the coming weeks.  A bipartisan group of Senators—4 Republican and 4 Democratic—have been working on the plan that is aimed to create a timeline and guidelines for the citizenship of illegal immigrants in the United States.  The bill would acknowledge over 11 million illegal immigrants in America.  The plan calls for a 13-year “path to citizenship”: 10 years to get a green card and then 3 additional years to actually gain citizenship.  Additional guidelines for the policy measure include border security plans and constructing measures that can be executed for future immigrants too.

What does this mean for the United States?  Labor unions are concerned that immigration will have a negative effect on the current American worker population—lower wages and less jobs.  Conversely, the Chamber of Commerce is hoping the bill will help businesses achieve their bottom lines.  Some Republicans are still skeptical of plan’s ability to address the border security issue.

Nevertheless, the proposal calls for a long and strict process for immigrants to gain citizenship.  Senators are confident that their bill will be seamless on efforts for border security by the time it hits the floor.  The bipartisan committee is moreover confident in the success of their bill.  The Obama administration and supporting Democrats have been promising an immigration reform bill.  Now, many Republicans are also on-board after receiving a miniscule 30% of Hispanic’s vote in the 2012 presidential elections—hoping their participation will increase Hispanic satisfaction with the party.  House representatives have also been making plans for immigration reform.  This bill is likely to have a major impact on the future.  Look out for the immigration reform bill’s public release in early April!

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/22/bipartisan-senators-close-to-deal-on-immigration-plan/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/19/us-usa-immigration-republicans-idUSBRE92I0OM20130319http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/21/gang-of-eight_n_2921084.html#slide=2034779