Gang Of Eight Introduces Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

The "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act" (S. 744) was introduced in the Senate early Wednesday morning by the "Gang of Eight," a group of bi-partisan senators. The bill's key features include: enhancement of border security and mandatory enrollment in the E-Verify program; legalization and a "pathway to citizenship" for unlawfully present individuals who entered the U.S. before December 31, 2011; and significant expansion of employment-based immigration coupled with elimination of the visa lottery and reduction of family-based immigration options.

The items in the proposed legislation of most importance to employers include:

• All employers would be required to enroll in E-Verify within 5 years.