Why is it SO Hard to Pass Immigration Legislation?

The United States has a long history of immigration, and the country’s immigration policies have undergone significant changes over the years. However, it has been several decades since there were substantive changes made to US immigration policy. In this article, we will explore the last time there were significant changes to US immigration policy and why so little has changed in recent decades.

The Last Substantive Changes to US Immigration Law

The last major overhaul of US immigration policy was the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986. The law had several objectives, including addressing the issue of undocumented immigration, securing the US border, and providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who met certain criteria. The IRCA also introduced several new provisions, including the H-2A visa program for temporary agricultural workers and the Diversity Visa program for immigrants from countries with low levels of immigration to the US.

However, since the IRCA was passed, there have been few substantive changes to US immigration policy. There have been attempts to reform immigration laws, such as the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which would have provided a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and increased border security. However, the bill failed to pass in the Senate.

What makes it so difficult to pass Immigration Legislation?

There are several reasons why so little has changed in US immigration policy in recent decades. One of the main reasons is political polarization. The issue of immigration has become increasingly politicized, with both major political parties taking firm positions on immigration policy. This polarization has made it difficult to pass any substantive immigration reform, as politicians are often more concerned with winning political points than with finding practical solutions to the issue.

Another reason is the complexity of US immigration policy. US immigration law is a complex web of laws, regulations, and policies that have developed over decades. This complexity can make it difficult for lawmakers to understand the nuances of the system and develop effective reforms.

Furthermore, there is often resistance to changes to the status quo. Some groups, such as labor unions and immigration restrictionists, are opposed to changes in immigration policy that they believe could harm American workers or increase the number of immigrants in the US.

In conclusion, the last major changes to US immigration policy were made in 1986 with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Since then, there have been few substantive changes to US immigration policy, primarily due to political polarization, the complexity of US immigration law, and resistance to change. However, there is hope that with continued advocacy and political will, comprehensive immigration reform can be achieved in the future.