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10 December 2009
Colorado panel makes American immigration recommendations
A University of Denver panel has made a number of American immigration recommendations for the country to consider, including allowing illegal immigrants to stay and work if they register with the government and learn English.
The DU Strategic Issues panel made 25 recommendations for consideration during the American immigration reform debate, which could hit Congress next year.
The panel recommended a national identification card that would be required to get a job, and it is hoped the card and a national requirement for businesses to use the E-Verify database of legal workers, will help cut down on illegal workers without an American Visa.
The panel started compiling recommendations after hearing more than 30 presentations from different viewpoints.
The recommendations include:
- Simplifying the visa system by creating eight categories, down from around 200;
- Allowing skilled workers with temporary work visas to switch jobs, instead of staying with the same employer to allow free-market competition and boost wages;
- Requiring immigrants to take English classes and be able to speak English before they can become legal permanent residents or citizens;
- Giving illegal immigrants a “provisional visa" for up to 10 years, allowing them to work, learn English and apply for permanent residency.
Continue efforts to strengthen border security.
The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in American visa and immigration information applications to the American Embassy.
