I sincerely hope they work this out,since the future flow debate is what killed comprehensive overhaul the last time.
Quote:
Business and labor groups have launched aggressive lobbying efforts in Congress to promote widely divergent views on how to overhaul the nation's immigration laws, raising fresh doubts that lawmakers can come to an agreement this year on immigration reform legislation.
The activity comes only days before President Obama hosts a highly anticipated summit with congressional leaders next week to discuss the rospects for immigration reform legislation. Obama has vowed to make comprehensive reform legislation a priority for 2009, and some key lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-Nevada), have claimed a bill can be passed this year.
Groups such as the AFL-CIO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are at odds over a proposal to create an independent commission that would establish limits for work visas and determine the flow of temporary workers into the United States.
HAI reports the groups are making their respective cases in behind-the-scenes meetings with key lawmakers and aides who are expected to play a central role in drafting a comprehensive immigration bill.
Groups seeking changes in immigration laws agreed to support the idea of creating an independent commission as a way to bring the AFL-CIO on board with their cause. The labor group did not support a sweeping immigration reform bill that Congress took up in 2007, but ultimately failed to pass.
This move has alienated the business community -- a key constituency that helped to build bipartisan support for the 2007 bill. The primary sticking point is that labor groups do not support the creation of a temporary guest-worker program.
The U.S. Chamber and other business groups fear the commission will be dominated by labor interests and, therefore, will not allow a guest-worker program to be created. They fear that the commission will try to kill existing work visa programs, such as those for specialty and seasonal workers.
Senate Republicans, including Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, said they will oppose any immigration reform effort if a guest-worker program is left out. McCain has not been invited to the White House to discuss immigration.
