There are elements of immigration policy that have fairly broad bipartisan support and then there are elements that have very little support from Republicans. One area of general agreement is on attracting more scientists and engineers by granting green cards to college graduates who major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The House might actually authorize a bill that eliminates the green card lottery and replaces it with a system that focuses on these STEM candidates. The Democrats will probably go along if the Republicans include more provision for current green card holders to bring their family members to the States.
I’m not sure how I feel about these proposed reforms. I wish more Americans would major in math and science, but they’re too busy playing Call of Duty, so…
My greater concern is passing the easy parts of immigration reform might make it harder to pass the difficult parts. If you can put elements in a comprehensive bill that have broad public support or that are considered vital to the business community, it will make it easier to pass.
