The Three-Legged Stool
UPDATED 11/16/09: Check out the video of the Secretary's speech at the bottom of the post.
Secretary Napolitano delivered a speech this morning at the Center for American Progress, outlining the Obama Administration’s strong support for reform of the nation’s immigration laws, and delivering a clear message on her commitment to the effort required to change the status quo. “We are determined to deal with long lingering problems that cloud our future,” the Secretary remarked. We’ve discussed this issue on the blog before, but as the Secretary said today, these are “critical challenges that have been ignored in Washington for too long.” We’re going to start talking about them more on the blog in the coming months.
Reform isn’t just a legislative benchmark for this administration; for the department, first and foremost, it is about keeping our country secure. By almost any account, millions of people are living – and many working – in this country illegally. They are families and individuals; migrant workers and seamstresses; neighbors and fellow church-goers – individuals that deserve a clear, fair and firm process. This is just one part of what the Secretary referred to today as the “three-legged stool” reform that we need.
Secretary Napolitano delivered a speech this morning at the Center for American Progress, outlining the Obama Administration’s strong support for reform of the nation’s immigration laws, and delivering a clear message on her commitment to the effort required to change the status quo. “We are determined to deal with long lingering problems that cloud our future,” the Secretary remarked. We’ve discussed this issue on the blog before, but as the Secretary said today, these are “critical challenges that have been ignored in Washington for too long.” We’re going to start talking about them more on the blog in the coming months.
Reform isn’t just a legislative benchmark for this administration; for the department, first and foremost, it is about keeping our country secure. By almost any account, millions of people are living – and many working – in this country illegally. They are families and individuals; migrant workers and seamstresses; neighbors and fellow church-goers – individuals that deserve a clear, fair and firm process. This is just one part of what the Secretary referred to today as the “three-legged stool” reform that we need.
“Let me be clear: when I talk about 'immigration reform,' I’m referring to what I call the 'three-legged stool' that includes a commitment to serious and effective enforcement, improved legal flows for families and workers, and a firm but fair way to deal with those who are already here. That’s the way that this problem has to be solved, because we need all three aspects to build a successful system. This approach has at its heart the conviction that we must demand responsibility and accountability from everyone involved in the system: immigrants, employers and government. And that begins with fair, reliable enforcement.”The Secretary noted that while DHS has already made many reforms over the last nine months within the current legal framework, real reform is necessary to address the larger challenges we face on this issue.
"Our system must be strong enough to prevent illegal entry and to get criminal aliens off our streets and out of the country. But it must also be smart enough to reward the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit that immigrants have always brought to America—traits that have built our nation."We’ll continue to update you, and encourage you to leave comments and let us know your thoughts. A full transcript of her remarks is posted on our site.
Labels: immigration, Secretary Napolitano
posted by DHS @ 5:38 PM
30 Comments:
At November 13, 2009 9:59 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Watched The Secretary's speech at CAP....outstanding...reform is long overdue and this administration really is spot on in their multi tasking. All excellent long overdue compassionate but firm reforms.
Was also able to view Special Envoy Gration today in his hour long interview re: our efforts in Sudan and the committment and hard work of all involved in that. Just keep up the good work and good things will come from it all...Semper Fi, John H. Cameron
At November 14, 2009 11:04 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Its disappointing to see the people who live here legally(for the past 10yrs), pay taxes, obey all the laws are left in the limbo without a Green card. Agreed Politics is what dominates this but can there light at the end of the tunnel for these law abidiing people? When will these prospective immigrants who have Master's or Phd degree from u.s universities and who have helped U.S be in the forefront of technology with their brillaint minds and who have helped grow the economy and who obey laws to the T get their Green cards. These brillaint minds are stuck in the so called "lack of visa numbers"....
Keep hearing that Illegals can getcitizenship if they obey laws for 5 yrs. Can you even sanely justify the fact that they will jump the line ahead of the law abiding prospective M.S or Phd degree skilled people? Brain drain is going to happen soon if this injustice continues likes this...
At November 15, 2009 10:21 PM ,
Anonymous said...
I for one am tired of the rhetoric on this. It's time for action. I am a product of immigrants and a legal U.S. citizen. We must control the borders but must have a better approach to deal with millions here illegally. These people have lived and worked among us, paying taxes, raising decent families, enduring racism, workplace discrimination, endured language challenges while learning English and insisting their kids do the same. They have increased America's economic and community prosperity (like my wife), but suffer the indignity of being mislabeled, misunderstood, maligned, and ignored, often by those who don't have a clue what it's like to live in two different worlds, much like our immigrant ancestors of two or three generations ago who came here for a better life. For my household, keeping my wife in the shadows has made our productivity suffer, our marriage, our prosperity. Still, each day she volunteers, raises the kids, pays all sorts of taxes, aids citizens in a variety of ways, and waits her "turn" 20+ years now. She has learned English, paid taxes, gotten to the back of the lines countless times as the law changed once then again and again, forcing her each time to the back. What more can you ask of her?
At November 16, 2009 2:09 PM ,
Anonymous said...
what abouth the people that waz send to mexico to wait for their visas is so antihuman i think, because they get removed from their familys for a long periods of time and not knowing when they will come back and all they wanted to do is to became legal ,i know many of then stay for over a year and that means without seen or taking care of spouse and children how is that ok ?
its like been in jail but not knowing when you are geting out. there has to be a solution and no one so far is doing anything about it.
please stop separating familys.
At November 16, 2009 8:44 PM ,
Anonymous said...
i am illegal i got 4 kids.its not easy liviving hear like that.i am willing to work go to school if given a chance.i have nothing to go back to in my country.my 13 year old son lives in jamaica i have not seen him in 8 years that hurt me day by day.i wish they could give us a chance to make it right,worried mother.
At November 16, 2009 8:45 PM ,
Anonymous said...
i agree that there should be a strong reform that this country has to get the best of every one of us, I've been fighting for a long time to come out of the shadows to be something but i cant 'cause there is always that stops me to do it, a SSN or a real ID ,all of us we are proud to be living here in this country, to have your own home, see your kids grow and be better every day ,get the opportunity to develop a love for this country and also to prove themselves that we can if we visualize to the future if we want....
but as now this is only a dream until a real reform comes ,the one that makes family more united
yeah is matter of time but how long more ...10,20,30 years later
At November 17, 2009 1:08 AM ,
Anonymous said...
Our laws should be upheld and enforced. Repatriate illegal aliens to their home country.
At November 17, 2009 10:15 AM ,
Anonymous said...
I am glad to see this reform moving ahead. We have to make sure this new path will not delay benefits of folks who are waiting patiently in line.
At November 17, 2009 11:07 AM ,
Anonymous said...
I think all illegals need to leave the country, that means NO AMNESTY at all. My grandparents came here LEGALLY. You wanting to give amnesty to ILLEGALS is like a slap in the face to all who entered this country LEGALLY!!!!!!!! Your administration disgusts me, Obama is the worst president, thank God I didn't vote for him, and I have been voting since I was 18, I'm now 51. I'm so irritated that we are even thinking of Amnesty for these people...Let them come to this country the right way........the taxpayers in this country have suffered enough already, this administration is going to break America not save it
At November 17, 2009 12:36 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Bravo to the previous comment. This country is being trashed by Illegal Immigration. Close the borders now and get a handle on "Legal Immigration". We cannot take care of the whole world. Uphold our current immigration laws!
At November 18, 2009 1:57 PM ,
Anonymous said...
I voted for Obama and I agree to what he has planned. Its all a matter of time and patience. I voted for him and proud of it. I agree with both the secretary and president. Yes to the reform and Amnesty
At November 18, 2009 4:23 PM ,
Anonymous said...
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (November 18, 2009)
The Other Immigrants -
Low quotas, long lines hurt U.S. competition for human capital.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703683804574533612324601766.html
At November 18, 2009 5:40 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Two comments above me. I think you don't even know what you talking about . They wanna give amnesty to those people ho entered the US country legally and those ho payed taxes over the years. They not gonna give the citizen to people without legal documents and passport with visa. Before you write something, think, because if not immigrant you wouldn't probably have your job and house. USA was and is the country of whole world. Amnesty is need a soon as possible.
At November 19, 2009 12:43 PM ,
Anonymous said...
I am american citizen but I think this country needs an immigration reform. THis is a country with opportunities for everybody if you work hard. To be American is an aptitude in your life. If you work hard and contribute to this country you deserve to be american. To be born here is not enough!!!!
At November 19, 2009 1:57 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Yes to reform. No to Amnesty.
At November 20, 2009 3:24 AM ,
Anonymous said...
please people stop been so ignorant!!if you are going to say, or talk abouth somethig, first do a research is so easy now with the internet .like the guy that is bad talking abouth President Obama, that he didnt voted for him and he has been voting since he waz 18 now 51 years or so sounds like a very racis person, but you are not God to judge other peoples situations and should not affect you in anyway ,let the goverment do theyr jobs and if they are doing a Amnesty there is something positive coming out of it. And am so glad,owr goverment is not run by people that think like you so close minded.
At November 22, 2009 3:58 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Yes the three points. Fix the illegal entry. Get rid of the criminals. And reward the law abiding people with education that make this country great with amnesty.America is made of all colors and types. Let's be humane!
At November 23, 2009 3:53 PM ,
Anonymous said...
illegal entry aside, there are many who've entered the country legally, have applied for work visa sponsorships or are beneficiaries of family visas. This group of immigrants has abided by the law and yet are still waiting years or even decades to get their green cards. Should they be put in the same boat as those who entered illegally? The backlogs and processing wait times are so extensive and long, that 15, 20 years later, they're still waiting to start their life. It's a waste of the intellectual, social and financial capital they bring to society, despite following the law. It's a loss to the US as a whole to not benefit from their valuable contribution. By denying immigration reform, you're rightfully punishing those who enter illegally, but wrongfully punishing those who have followed the law.
At November 23, 2009 5:50 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Personally, I think that it is simple: First, give the people a temporary visa, have them pay taxes but do not allow them to claim taxes or earned income credit for five years. If during those five years they can demonstrate that it is worth the sacrifice, then they can get a visa for 10 years and allow them to claim taxes and earned income credit. After 10 years they show that they have a clean record, then they can get a renewal for another 10 years. It's a long shot, but it can be done. With the Country not allowing these people to claim taxes or earned income credit, they will be able to build up funds towards the country's debt. It's not that hard to know this idea will work!
At November 24, 2009 5:08 AM ,
Anonymous said...
Speed up the legal immigration process to promote family reunion coz this will make families happier and make them contribute to this great nation with their full strength.United states in other states means "UNITED FAMILIES".Deport illegal aliens without any qualification back to their home countries and allow only those genius illegal aliens to get out of the shadows.Secure the borders.These are what i called "COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM".
At November 24, 2009 11:08 AM ,
Anonymous said...
We are a nation of laws and people who breaks them must pay the price we can't pick and choose which laws to follow or enforce.
At November 24, 2009 11:37 PM ,
Anonymous said...
It's just taking way too long, can we please speed up. I think faster we move faster we get it done.
There are so many people who are illegal, but good residents such as paying taxes, not being violent , speaking english, lived in the states at least 4, 5 years, plus just love being in the states because they find better, safer, and more fear lives than their countries. Also they respect it just like their natural countries, and maybe they can go to army. I think people like them should have opportunities to become americans.
At November 29, 2009 8:20 PM ,
Anonymous said...
please please need to do something for all these people.
need an inmigration feform now now
At November 29, 2009 10:33 PM ,
Anonymous said...
I am tired of illegals working the system better than the actual war vets. Asian ,Armenians, etc come and demand section 8 foods stamps welfare when they dont even try to learn the language which is English. They demand so many perks than the actual war veterans they are all a burden that do not want to work the whole American dream and vision of our forefathers has been distorted welfare did not exist nor did section 8 but our ancestors worked hard to make this country what it is today.
At December 3, 2009 11:54 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Hon'ble Secretary Napolitano United States permanent residents without any visitor's visa problem doesn't matter which country they belong to are crossing border and coming to Canada everyday just on the basis of their permanent resident status in the United States, on the other hand, when it comes to Canadian Permanent residents they cannot enter United States unless they belongs to visa waiver countries. I do not get it if someone is holding a permanent resident status of the United States even if their country of citizenship is Indian, Chinese, Philippines etc. they can visit Canada by showing their permanent resident status at the border yet the person with a similar background holding a permanent resident status in Canada requires visa? how is it justifiable?
At December 4, 2009 3:10 PM ,
Anonymous said...
I believe the bureaucracy in DHS (speciall in USCIS) has to be fixed first before we go to CIR.
Tens of thousands of people are waiting for the DHS secretary to use her discretion and apply the waiver authority congress gave her in 2007 to exempt refugees/asylees who fall under the INA 212 (a) 3 (B) because of the overboroad definition of terrorism, whereby people who faught along side US forces and pro democracy organosations are labled as terrorists.
At December 7, 2009 1:57 PM ,
Anonymous said...
it is well needed i support it many people are here and only want to do the right thing work send there kids to school support their families but is denied ir ever think the reason they ever do skim the laws and take work illegally THEIR ILLEGAL so fix that problem and u fix many other problems most of these people walk and talk live and play amoung us every day and you would never know because they are proud, and happy for the little they have some of you talk as if these people are dirty or below you these are your nieghbours some of the people you dated or may have loved the people you meet and greet everyday that person that helped you with your flat if you searched deeper into peoples lives you'll see the amount of people that need status nd this reform can help so if this reform dont affect you directly please just let the government be in making this country better and these people who well deserve it better.
At December 7, 2009 11:02 PM ,
Anonymous said...
I have read about this article, Today i have got a chance to listen it. Wonderful and Remarkable speech, This doesn't come just one the flow.
It’s her embedded experience and knowledge in field will definitively help her to fix the broken immigration system.
At January 10, 2010 5:30 AM ,
Anonymous said...
It's alarming how little this agency is doing to stop illegal immigration....and why aren't the illegals deported? They are constantly bringing drugs into our country...and at any moment, a terroist could easily cross the border, posing as an illegal alien.....I admire our men and women who work in these agencies, but it's no secret the higher ups are protecting buisness people who use the illegals to pick avocacos, oranges, etc..I say make our prisoners pick the fruits..oh, that's right, half of them are illegal aliens anyway..wow. Time to start mass deportation and quit caving in to all this political nonsense.
At January 18, 2010 3:16 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Watching this video gave me a lot of hope that something would be done to fix this problem.I wasn't born here in this country but I would give my life for it because I was raised in America and my family is mixed with legal and illegal so if I have to leave this country I would have to take my four kids who are American citizens to live in a third world country which I don't even know.What am I going to offer them?poverty? no,that's why I am still here for them because they have the right to live a decent and good life.We deserve a chance like anybody else.
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