House Speaker John Boehner rejects introducing the Senate’s immigration reform bill for debate on the House floor. He justifies by stating that the majority of GOP House members would not vote to allow 11 million undocumented people get citizenship. Instead, GOP members propose single-issue, “piecemeal” bills which reflect conservative ideals.
Democrats oppose this “piecemeal” idea on immigration because it is insufficient for illegal immigrants seeking legalization. However, Democratic House members see it as the only way for the Senate to even consider the bill in the House.
House Republicans drafted three immigration bills that are opposed by Democrats: Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act, Legal Workforce Act, and Agricultural Guestworker Act. The Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act allow law enforcement to crack down on illegal immigration. The Legal Workforce Act requires employers to use E-Verify within two years to verify the work eligibility status of employees. The Agricultural Guestworker Act creates a farm work program for foreign labor but does not include worker protection.
