Immigration Reform, Gone But Not Forgotten

For the foreseeable future, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348) is dead. Pronouncements of the bill's demise included partisan finger pointing, although all agree that something must be done to address the nation's illegal immigration debacle.

Clearly, there are going to be major implications resulting from future immigration legislation. All businesses will be affected by the changes, especially in the areas of employee verification and enforcement efforts aimed at curbing the employment of illegal aliens. Even though the current bill is dead, legislative amendments to a variety of bills could address enforcement issues piece meal. Businesses should begin assessing how their operations will adapt to the new requirements.

This article appeared in the September 2007 issue of the Greater Columbia Business Monthly.