A Conservative and Compassionate Approach to Immigration Reform: Perspectives from a Former US Attorney General

by Alberto R. Gonzales, David N. Strange, Gordon Morris Bakken (Foreword by)

Overview

A thorough exploration of and compassionate solutions to current U.S. immigration policy
 
Although the United States is a nation founded by immigrants, Alberto Gonzales and David Strange believe that national immigration policy and enforcement over the past thirty years has been inadequate. This failure by federal leaders has resulted in a widespread introduction of state immigration laws across the country. Gonzales and Strange assert that the solution to current immigration challenges is reform of federal immigration laws, including common sense border control, tougher workplace enforcement, minor (but significant) changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act, and a revised visa process that discourages overstaying the duration of a visa.
                Gonzales and Strange embrace many provisions of current pending legislation, but are sharply critical of others. Their proposals call for an expansion of the grounds of inadmissibility to foster greater respect of law and to address the problem of visa overstays, while also calling for a restriction on grounds of inadmissibility in other areas to address the large undocumented population and increasing humanitarian crisis. They explore nationality versus citizenship and introduce a pathway to nationality as an alternative to a pathway to citizenship.
                This immigration policy blueprint examines the political landscape in Washington and makes the argument that progress will require compromise and the discipline to act with compassion and respect. Most significantly, it illuminates how following this blueprint can enhance national security and improve the economy in the United States in ways that is consistent with the rule of law.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780896728967
Publisher:	Texas Tech University Press
Publication date:	11/03/2014
Series:	American Liberty and Justice
Edition description:	1
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 11.50(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Alberto R. Gonzales is former counsel to the President and United States Attorney General under the George W. Bush administration. He is currently the Dean of the Belmont University College of Law, where he holds the Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair of Law.
 
David N. Strange is a managing partner at the law firm of Whittenburg Strange & Walker, P.C. He is also an adjunct professor of law at the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xv

Selected Abbreviations xvii

Chapter 1 Basics of U.S. Immigration Law 3

Chapter 2 Strategy for Success 10

Chapter 3 The Known and Unknown Challenges of Unauthorized Immigration 23

Chapter 4 Federalism and the Case for State Action 33

Chapter 5 Objectives and Obstacles to Federal Policy 46

Chapter 6 Securing Our Borders 59

Chapter 7 Workplace Enforcement 73

Chapter 8 Revising the Visa Process 89

Chapter 9 Amending the INA 98

Chapter 10 Dealing with the Children of Unauthorized Immigrants beyond High School 109

Chapter 11 Mexico's Impact 120

Epilogue 133

Appendix 1 Nonimmigrant Visas 137

Appendix 2 Relevant Sections of Law Pertaining to U.S. Nationality 147

Appendix 3 Proposed Amended INA § 245(i) 151

Appendix 4 Proposed Amended INA § 249 155

Appendix 5 Proposed INA § 212(a)(6)(H) 163

Appendix 6 Proposed Amended INA § 212(a)(9)(B) and Deletion of INA § 212(a)(9)(C) 165

Notes 169

Index 227

Editorial Reviews

This is a book that conservatives and liberals will find compelling in its arguments and the depth of careful, comprehensive research. Yet the issues are so divisive that advocates for change will be taking copious notes from the text and sources. The authors have crafted arguments so skillfully that politicians of every stripe must deal with the implications for revision of the statutes.
—Gordon Morris Bakken, from the foreword

A well-written and grounded challenge to anyone – politician or pundit – who has a sincere desire to see a comprehensive reform to American immigration laws. Devoid of the invective and hyperbole that too frequently accompany discussion of this topic, Gonzales’s and Strange’s proposals have something that everyone will applaud and something with which everyone will take issue. This is a book that every member of Congress should read and respond to. I am glad that someone with Gonzales’s perspective has added to this very necessary discussion.
—Keith M. Harrison, University of New Hampshire School of Law

From the Publisher

2014-09-09
Former Attorney General Gonzales (Dean/Belmont Univ. College of Law) and immigration lawyer Strange propose a bipartisan approach to resolving the current impasse regarding illegal immigration. Reviewing the complexity of current law—e.g., quotas based on family and employment status and country of origin—the authors reject proposals for "instant citizenship for the majority of the millions of undocumented immigrants" on the one hand and their across-the-board removal on the other. Furthermore, any piecemeal approach is bound to fail, they write; it is necessary to put everything on the table in order to achieve a workable political compromise between the different stakeholders. "For example," write the authors, "a hardliner on border security may be willing to support a pathway to lawful status for children brought here unlawfully by their parents if he sees an effective plan to provide more resources to the border." The authors advocate for an overhaul of the Immigration and Nationality Act and a revision of the visa system. Gonzales and Strange propose the establishment of a third avenue between deportation and citizenship that would provide presently undocumented immigrants permanent residence, providing they do not owe back taxes and do not have criminal records. The authors would also allow young people brought here illegally by their parents the opportunity to achieve a high school diploma. Support for those who wish to pursue a college education or enroll in the military should be available. Underlying such practical considerations is the recognition that most immigrants come to America in the hope of achieving a better life for themselves and their families rather than a desire to flout the law. Though unlikely to interest general readers, this is a valuable reminder of the role of immigrants in creating the economic and cultural strength of America and a practical guidebook that provides a basis for a comprehensive "national dialogue."

Kirkus Reviews