IMMIGRATION REFORM
Economic Development in Rural Wisconsin
October 26, 2011
History of Immigration Law
History of Immigration Law
Common Themes
America is a nation of immigrants, but
Immigration laws are more liberal during:
Peace
Economic growth
More restrictive during:
War or security concerns
Economic distress
Racial prejudice isreflected
The newest arrivals are scape-goated
Do You Recognize this Quote?
The Mexicans who emigrate to this country are
ignorant and stupid. Their children do not learn
English and they read from books in Spanish. They
also publish their own books and have their own
newspaper in Spanish. The signs in our streets are
in both languages, and in some places only
Spanish. All their legal writings are in Spanish,
and they constantly need interpreters in court. I
suppose one day soon our legislators will need
interpreters so that one half can understand what
the other half are saying.
Do You Recognize this Quote?
Unless we do something to restrict the number of
Mexican immigrants, they will soon outnumber us.
Our language and our form of government will be
at risk. They will never adopt our language and
customs any more than they can acquire our
complexion.
Who made this quote?
Rick Perry
Hank Williams Jr.
Lou Dobbs
None of the above
Benjamin Franklin
Legislation
AgJOBS
Step One:
Temporary residence (“Blue Card”)
Worked in U.S. Agriculture
150 days or 863 hours
During 24 month period ending Dec. 31, 2008
Admissible to the U.S.
No conviction that involves bodily injury, threat of serious
bodily injury or harm to property in excess of $500
$100 fine and application fee
Derivative status for spouse and minor children
AgJOBS
Step Two
Permanent residence (“Green Card)
Perform agricultural work
100 work days for each of 5 years
100 work days for one year, then150 work days for 3 years
150 work days for each of 3 years
Payment of taxes for above work requirements
$400 fine and application fee
No conviction of a felony, three misdemeanors or a single
conviction that involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily
injury or harm to property in excess of $500
AgJOBS
H-2A Reform
Streamlines applicationprocess
More flexible work requirements
Increased worker protections
Dairy workers would be eligible
Erich C. Straub
Erich C. Straub, Immigration Attorney LLC
260 East Highland Avenue, Suite 400
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-224-8472
erich@straubimmigration.com