Angelo Paparelli Debates Immigration Policy on Southern California Public Radio, KPCC: “Is Obama Tougher on Immigration Than Bush?”

Angelo Paparelli debated U.S. immigration policy on December 29, 2009 during a segment of the Patt Morrison radio program, “Is Obama Tougher on Immigration Than Bush?” on the Southern California Public Radio Show 89.3 KPCC, accessible here. The show discussed two ways of enforcing immigration policy in the United States, either by using worksite raids to go after people working here illegally or pursuing the employers who hire them.

According to the program host, a new study finds that federal prosecutions of undocumented immigrants hit record levels this year—up almost 16% from last year—and that more than half of all federal criminal cases involve immigration law violations. Angelo commented that President Obama’s policy is demonstrating to Congress that he is getting tough on immigration. However, Angelo observed, a consequence of the administration’s stance is that immigrants are indirectly squeezed out of the worksite by employers who fear audits, fines and prosecutions.

Angelo noted that immigration has historically been an engine of prosperity in this country, from both high-skilled and low-skilled workers who provide valuable services. There should be a fair, humane and orderly system to regulate the flow of immigration in the United States, Angelo maintained. He also noted that President Obama has the executive authority to grant work authorization (as a way of beginning the legalization process) without action by Congress. (For more on presidential authority to solve immigration problems, see Angelo's latest blog posting.)