Immigration Reform in 2013-14: An Essay on the Senate's Bipartisan Plan, the House's Standard for Immigration Reform, Interest Convergence and Political Realities

27 Pages Posted: 25 Sep 2014

See all articles by María Mercedes Pabón

María Mercedes Pabón

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Natasha Lacoste

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Date Written: July 24, 2014

Abstract

This essay assesses the prospects for immigration reform using interest convergence theory and the political realities under which Congress operates. It explains the bipartisan Senate's plan for immigration reform, including the four key areas addressed by the plan: immigration overhaul, employment verification, worker programs, and the need to create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States. It also discusses the House's principles for immigration reform, including the main aspects of its proposal: border security, an entry-exit system, employment verification and workplace enforcement, reforms to the current immigration system, youths, and adult undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. The essay then tracks the time line and developments of both plans and the legislative action so far, including passage of the Bipartisan Plan in the Senate and its failure to pass in the House. It also discusses the political, economic, and faith-based appeals made to Congress to encourage immigration reform. Finally, this essay analyzes the theory of interest convergence and its application to the debate surrounding immigration reform.

Keywords: immigration law, immigration reform, congress, interest convergence theory

Suggested Citation

Pabón, María Mercedes and Lacoste, Natasha, Immigration Reform in 2013-14: An Essay on the Senate's Bipartisan Plan, the House's Standard for Immigration Reform, Interest Convergence and Political Realities (July 24, 2014). 17 Harvard Latino Law Review 121 (2014), Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Research Paper No. 2014-14, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2500906

María Mercedes Pabón (Contact Author)

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law ( email )

7214 St Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

Natasha Lacoste

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law ( email )

7214 St. Charles Ave., Box 901
Campus Box 901
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

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