Merit system based on work skills could be a key factor in new immigration bill

The new immigration bill could include a merit-based system that rewards illegal immigrants who are skilled workers, making it easier for those trained in specific jobs to gain citizenship, Julia Preston and Ashley Parker report for The New York Times. "Over time the program would open up many new opportunities for foreigners to settle in the United States based on their skills, a shift from the focus on family ties that is the main foundation of the current immigration system."

The bill could also include a measure that lets the nearly five million immigrants "who have applied to come here legally and have been languishing in the system" to be able be united with family members in the U.S., they write. The Gang of Eight, the octet of U.S. senators working on an immigration deal, ironed out all issues on the bill Thursday and are waiting for it to be drafted. (Read more)

We reported earlier this month that agriculture could be the biggest beneficiary of immigration reform. Farm lobbies are working with the presumption that "farmers want to hire a legal work force  . . . a pretty big change," Charles Conner, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, told Agri-Pulse. He said a key remaining issue is minimum wages for immigrants or guest workers. The Washington newsletter also notes another key issue, limits on the number of guest-worker visas. Agri-Pulse is subscription-only, but offers a free trial here.