Thousands are expected to convene on Washington's National Mall this Sunday in a rally demanding reform on immigration policy. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have recently laid out plans for a new immigration policy, which include giving illegal immigrants Social Security cards that don't allow them to obtain jobs, strengthening border security, creating a system for admitting temporary workers, and outlining a process by which illegal immigrants may become legal. The rally, which will be held on the same day that the House votes on a health care bill, involves an issue that has resurfaced since President Obama has voiced his support for Schumer and Graham's plan. In a statement, the two senators wrote, "Ending illegal immigration, however, cannot be the sole objective of reform. Developing a rational legal immigration system is essential to ensuring America's future economic prosperity." The plan by Schumer and Graham is interesting, as it seems to be more anti-immigration than pro-immigration. Preventing illegal immigrants from getting hired by giving them special cards could hurt the economy, as there will be less workers in essential but not-desirable occupations, such as agricultural workers. I'm a little surprised that Obama supported this plan, but I guess the overwhelming sentiment these days is that we need to strengthen our borders. I would expect there to be demonstrators on both sides of the immigration debate in Washington on Sunday. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/19/immigration.rally/index.html.
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