MAY 29, 2006

ISSUE 1117

SENATE PASSES IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL

The U.S. Senate Thursday (May 25) passed S2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. Included were provisions for a more workable guest worker program. The House version of immigration reform contains no guest worker provisions, instead focusing more on enforcement.

The Senate version is similar to the House bill in that they both contain a provision mandating electronic verification of workers’ legal status.

Both bills will go to Conference Committee for negotiations leading to a final version, which will be presented to the president. Walter Kates, FFVA director, Labor Relations Division, noted the importance of timing. “The longer it takes in conference negotiations, the less likely Congress will produce a final bill in an election year,” he said.