Issue Position: "Blue Card" System

Issue Position

Under the "blue card" system, proposed by H.R. 371, the "AgJOBS Act of 2007", an illegal alien would be eligible to apply for a "blue card" if they can demonstrate that they have worked in American agriculture for at least 150 work days over the previous two years. Once accepted into the "blue card" system, an illegal alien must work for an additional three years before becoming eligible to apply for a green card to become a permanent legal resident. "Blue card" holders can bring their families into the United States, and they may travel in and out of the United States.

Proponents of the "blue card" system argue that because the illegal aliens in the program have to pay $500, must demonstrate that they are current on their taxes, and not have committed a violent crime, they are not getting true amnesty. While there are many different definitions of amnesty, this rationale does not remove the "blue card" from beneath the amnesty umbrella. The illegal aliens in the "blue card" system are illegal upon entry and have the opportunity to remain permanently in the United States. This is exactly what amnesty means to me, and for this reason the "blue card" system is unacceptable.

I will oppose this legislation in its present or similar form.

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