As of 2005, there was an estimated backlog of 5.5 million persons who had applied for legal immigration benefits. The 2000 census had previously indicated some 500,000 to 700,000 illegal aliens were settling in the United States each year. Alarmingly, more immigrants came to the United States illegally from 2000 to 2004 than the number admitted with legal status, undermining the efficacy of the entire INS. The cumulative number of illegal immigrants in the United States is estimated at 11 million.
In a post-9/11 world, the Bush Administration made immigration reform a priority. One contentious issue has been the 2,000-mile southwest border of the United States. President Bush proposed a “guest worker” effort for legalizing the status of illegal Mexican immigrants, comprising half of all U.S. illegal aliens. The proposal would grant permanent residency to persons living in the United States for five years, who worked 24 months, passed a background check and medical examination, and demonstrated proficiency in the English language. The Bush proposal also required background checks, but workers would have to apply separately for “green cards” (residency) with no special consideration.
In 2004, Democratic lawmakers unveiled their own similar plan. Both plans required employers to certify that U.S. workers were not available, but one proposal added a requirement that the U.S. Department of Labor first find that employment of foreign workers would not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. The key differ-ence between the two plans was that the Democratic proposal aimed for permanent residency status of illegal aliens and encouragement of legal immigration for their family members; whereas the Bush proposal for temporary status offered a tax-sheltered account for workers to set aside monies to return home (although they would get credit for Social Security contributions. In return for such a program, Mexico would assist in tightening security along the border.
Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee toughened its stance on illegal immigration and was considering legislation to criminalize illegal status (currently treated as a violation of civil immigration law). Increased security measures, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (the drone Predator B), electronic sensors, night-vision goggles, and increased manpower. By 2006, Congress had approved the construction of a high fence along the entire border, intended to control drug cartels, with additional benefits in controlling illegal immigration.
