Guest Worker Program
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 In 2004 President Bush proposed a guest worker program as a way of giving back
to illegal immigrants. He discussed the important role that
immigrants have
played in the United States by shaping America into what it is today. The United
States has had a tradition of welcoming foreigners into the country who have
tended to assimilate well into American culture. Bush mentioned that the growth
of immigrants over time has propelled the economy into the world’s largest and
has allowed it to become a powerhouse. Their contributions continue to be
evident as they take on difficult jobs that many times require long hours.
Immigrants are also known for starting their own businesses, which help
contribute to the U.S. economy. President Bush drew upon his personal
experiences as a Texan to point out how Mexican immigrants he knew had made a
difference in the country. He also added that they bring certain values with
them like family, work ethic and independence. One specific example that he
brought up was the thousands of immigrants that currently serve in the military.
They may be foreign born but this did not deter them from embracing the service
opportunities that this country has to offer.
Bush emphasized the qualities that immigrants brought to the country and how the
United States was dependent upon them. Therefore, he suggested that changes in
the current immigration system needed to be introduced. Some employers take
advantage of the current situation of illegal immigrants by paying them less
than minimum wage. Many hard-working illegal immigrants find themselves fearing
deportation due to nationwide raids where documents are verified. Another
possibility is that someone will report them to authority figures which can lead
to deportation as well. Bush mentioned that having to spend their efforts on
patrolling the borders so as to prevent immigrants from entering the country
illegally hampers the efforts of securing the country overall. Thus, President
Bush has proposed that a better immigration system be introduced so that more
immigrants are able to achieve the American Dream.
Many immigrants come with the intention of improving their lives which is
something that is shared by humanity in general. President Bush mentioned how
they end up taking the jobs that many Americans will not even consider. Illegal
immigrants make many sacrifices to reach the United States and often take abuse.
Other times they are exploited but this goes unreported due to fear that they
may end up being deported. Bush claimed that the current immigration system was
not fair and that laws needed to become more humane. Under Bush’s proposed
temporary worker program, foreign workers would be given the opportunity to fill
a job that Americans are not willing to take. Beforehand, the company must make
reasonable efforts to find an American that will take the job. In the case that
they cannot find a willing American, then they can resort to hiring an immigrant
who has a valid permit. Permits will be given for a three year period and would
be renewable upon meeting certain requirements. Those violating any requirements
or laws will have their permit revoked and deported to their homeland. Employers
will be required to hire only those with a valid permit. In addition, employers
must report the information to the government so that they can keep track of
those in the system. The government will also enforce harsh penalties for
employers who violate any work laws under the guest worker program.
Those who participate in the program will be required to register and possibly
pay a fee. This would depend on whether they were currently residing in the
country or if they are currently abroad. To identify individuals in the program
they will be given a temporary worker card. Bush would also work closely with
the foreign governments to make sure that after the permit has expired they will
have incentives to return to their country. In addition, he would also find a
way to have the credit of a temporary worker applied to the retirement system in
the foreign country. The temporary workers would also be able to contribute part
of their earnings to some type of retirement savings plan. While the program
proposed in 2004 was not approved, the guest worker program still is being
promoted by President Bush. He mentioned the need for such program in a two day
summit in Cancun, Mexico in March 2006. Currently, the guest worker program is
part of a Senate bill on immigration reform that could grant amnesty to 12
million immigrants in the United States.
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