Politicians intrigued by labor union's plea to
give amnesty to 6 million illegal immigrants
A P Kamath
Just about 10 days ago organized labor was denouncing the efforts by several Congressional leaders to increase the number of H1-B visas from 115,000 to 195,000 for each of the next three years.
The bill allowing more high-tech workers is expected to pass in a few weeks.
Naturally when the powerful AFL-CIO urged last weekend for an amnesty for illegal immigrants -- said to number about six million -- many politicians and immigration lawyers, social workers and community leaders were surprised. One Republican leader, opposed to more immigrants, called the labor union's call an attempt to betray the American workers.
The AFL-CIO policy shift marks a dramatic turnabout from its historic opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants and efforts to force employers to help keep them out.
It was because of the labor unions that the government introduced sanctions and fines about 15 years ago against employers who hired illegal workers.
It has been a long time since the American government gave a blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Some Republican congressional leaders whispered that the AFL-CIO wants to increase its dwindling presence. Through gaining the sympathy of illegal workers and getting them to join the union after their legal status is settled, the union could have a bigger bargaining clout with owners of businesses and the industry in general, the Republicans said.
At least one Republican, who is generally critical of immigrants and the efforts to increase the number of H1-B visas mooted by his Republican colleagues such as Orrin Hatch, announced that the labor union was asking too much.
Representative Lamar S Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Judiciary sub-committee on immigration and a key decision-maker on immigration issues, said: "The union bosses have betrayed American workers. Legalizing millions of illegal aliens to compete with American workers will cost them jobs and reduce their wages."
The Clinton Administration, which has been criticized by anti-immigrants groups for setting out millions of dollars to help newer immigrants become citizens, was cautious in reacting to the labor proposal.
Marie Echaveste, the deputy White House chief of staff, called the AFL-CIO's suggestion "an important recognition of the participation of undocumented workers in the labor force" that "needs to be reviewed."
The AFL-CIO call came amidst increased demand for not only high-skilled workers but also for less skilled workers needed in the hospitality industry. A powerful group, the American Hotel and Motel Associations joined last week the National Council of Chain Restaurants, in testifying before a congressional sub-committee to demand that the number of workers allowed under H2-B temporary visa should be increased. Many hotels say their services are suffering because of paucity of skilled workers.
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