From FAIR's Government Relations Dept.
Last month, officials in the Obama Administration indicated that the president would "push" an amnesty bill as one of his priorities before the year is out. In fact, these officials told the New York Times that President Obama will speak publicly about the immigration issue sometime this month. It is likely that, in order to gain public support for a highly unpopular amnesty, the president and Members of Congress who support amnesty will tout a "comprehensive immigration reform" bill that contains provisions supposedly aimed to accomplish goals the American people actually support: strengthened border security; increased worksite enforcement; implementation of a permanent, mandatory Employee Eligibility Verification System; and affirmation of state and local law enforcement agencies' authority to enforce immigration laws. FAIR's review of the Obama Administration's first 100 days, however, shows that the American people are right to remain skeptical about the intent of President Obama and Congress on the issue of enforcing America's immigration laws -- particularly if their promises are tied to a plan to grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Read FAIR's report here.

The little known O-1 visa program, awarded to immigrants with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, has grown 40% over the past four years. The weekend's edition of Business Week covers how this program is supposed to add to U.S. culture and the economy.

By Chris Jaarda, Director of Government Relations at FAIR
With an official unemployment rate of 8.9 percent, American workers now face the worst job market in 25 years. In fact, over the past 60 years, the unemployment rate has rarely been as high as it is today. Despite a difficult job market, President Obama and leaders in Congress are talking about passing so-called "comprehensive immigration reform" legislation. This legislation would give amnesty to 12 million or more illegal aliens, including an estimated 8.3 million illegal aliens who hold jobs they never should have had, and could include a proposed new guest-worker provision to import hundreds of thousands of additional foreign workers. Download our latest research paper here and see why amnesty and a guest worker program is a really bad idea.

While House Speaker Pelosi suggests the 111th Congress could end up being "one of the most productive" ever, time might be running out on some anticipated big-ticket legislation. House and Senate leaders have a solidly booked legislative schedule from early June until the start of the month-long August recess with much of the focus being on sweeping climate change and healthcare initiatives. Will some of the other initiatives be left out this year's agenda? Read Congress Daily assessment here.