Genti21-ga:
Please note that the immigration issue cannot always be broken down as
simply as you have done so here. Historically, immigration was an
issue of consensus, then later on, it was largely split along party
lines (Democrats - pro, Republicans - anti). Of course, those that
support immigration have their own interest groups, but mainly the
American Immigration Lawyers Association which is the most influential
immigration interest group. Big business, however, is the most
powerful supporter.
To answer your question however, I have found a few connections for
you.
U.S. labor unions have supported immigration, especially in the 1990s
due to the number of latin american and asian blue collar workers,
whose sheer numbers made their participation very powerful. Of course
the general labor forces of the U.S. are still often against
immigration due to the perception that immigrants take jobs away from
Americans and are forcing wages down.
http://www.cis.org/articles/1998/IR32/politics.html
http://are.berkeley.edu/APMP/pubs/agworkvisa/alliance080701.html
In the mid-1990s, the anti immigration group FAIR found itself up
against a coalition of pro immigration groups, including big business,
high-tech industries and libertarians. Presumeabley, big business and
high-tech industries benefit economically while libertarians argue it
on principle. Big business supports immigration and the expansion of
immigrant work rights due to punishments they have received
historically for employing immigrants illegally. Tech companies
seeking cheaper labor have been pushing for conditional green cards,
making it easier to hire immigrants.
http://www.cis.org/articles/1998/IR32/politics.html
http://are.berkeley.edu/APMP/pubs/agworkvisa/alliance080701.html
http://lists.insecure.org/politech/2000/May/0036.html
Interestingly, the catholic church has been quite involved in
supporting immigration as well. Not only do they hold catholic ties to
the majority of latin american immigrants, but on a moral level of
treatment as well. Most notabley, the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops
has been working to exert influence with the government.
http://are.berkeley.edu/APMP/pubs/agworkvisa/alliance080701.html
Other interest groups supporting immigration include:
Farm Bureau, AFL-CIO, National Council of La Raza (NCLR), American
Hospital Association, Christian Coalition, Microsoft, and Hispanic
Business Roundtable.
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Colleges/ARHU/Depts/LAS/InfoStudent/LASC234/Fall2001.htm#"Immigration%20Policy%20in%20Congress:%20How%20Unlikely%20Partnerships%20and%20Surprising%20Motivations%20Shape%20America's%20Decision%20on%20Immigration"
Additional Info:
Link to list of immigration advocacy groups
http://www.csuchico.edu/~kcfount/immigration.html
Excellent description of interest groups overcoming public opinion.
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Colleges/ARHU/Depts/LAS/InfoStudent/LASC234/Fall2001.htm#"Immigration%20Policy%20in%20Congress:%20How%20Unlikely%20Partnerships%20and%20Surprising%20Motivations%20Shape%20America's%20Decision%20on%20Immigration"
Search Strategy:
"pro immigration interest groups"
"support immigration groups"
Please feel free to request clarification if need be.
leeann-ga |
