Ann Lin discusses latest bipartisan immigration reform for "Policy Points"

January 31, 2013

The latest installment of "Policy Points," Ann C. Lin discusses new immigration reform legislation unveiled last week by a bipartisan group of eight Senators.

The legislation, Lin points out, will benefit the high-tech and agricultural industries by offering a fast-track to permanent residence for those workers. However, immigrant workers in many other industries—such as hospitality or construction—are largely left out. The legislation, Lin says, has other benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand the legislation emphasizes eventual citizenship, but on the other hand individuals with no family currently in the U.S. have limited opportunities for admission.

Lin is an associate professor of public policy at the Ford School. She is researching potential immigration policies, such as guest-worker programs and legalization, and the political beliefs of American immigrants.

[See Ann C. Lin's previous Policy Points discussion of U.S. immigration policy]