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Opinion

Immigration reform: The five most important issues

Clearly, any compromise on immigration will turn on demands to tighten border security to prevent further illegal migration. The problem is defining what a secure border looks like. There are about 18,500 U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the U.S.-Mexico border. That number is far higher than at any time in the last decade. Also, barriers have been constructed along nearly 700 miles of that border. Some lawmakers, such as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), would like to see more high tech resources, including drones, used to patrol the border. Others insist that a commission be established to set standards for enhanced border security.

Clearly, any compromise on immigration will turn on demands to tighten border security to prevent further illegal migration.

The problem is defining what a secure border looks like. There are about 18,500 U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the U.S.-Mexico border. That number is far higher than at any time in the last decade. Also, barriers have been constructed along nearly 700 miles of that border.

Some lawmakers, such as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), would like to see more high tech resources, including drones, used to patrol the border. Others insist that a commission be established to set standards for enhanced border security.   (John Moore / Getty Images)

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Efforts to overhaul the nation’s immigration system are underway, led by a bipartisan group of eight senators who are expected to unveil a bill after Congress returns from its recess. So far, these efforts have led to at least one significant pact between the AFL-CIO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for dealing with foreign low-skilled workers. While the deal represents a breakthrough, lawmakers must still reach agreement on other issues. Here are five that must still be addressed in a comprehensive immigration reform bill. -- Sandra Hernandez

Agricultural Workers

This is likely to be one of the thorniest issues facing lawmakers. At least half of the nation’s farmworkers are in the United States illegally, according to surveys and other data. Any proposal will need to bridge the divide between growers and labor groups.

Growers say they have difficulty finding U.S. workers willing to do the job, and want a guest worker program that allows them to hire seasonal labor. Union leaders and advocates caution that guest worker programs must provide better labor protections to guard against abuse and exploitation.   (David Goldman / Associated Press)

Legalizing the 11 million undocumented immigrants

Any bill must provide a path for the undocumented immigrants already in the country. That path, however, can’t be so tortuous or severe that it defeats the goal of bringing into legal status those immigrants who qualify and pay a penalty.   (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)

Visa allocations

Immigration reform must also include a review of the rules for allocating visas to high-skilled workers. Employers repeatedly complain that they are creating more high-skill jobs but can’t find workers to fill those posts. At the same time, U.S. workers worry that visas could be used to replace them or depress wages. But the reality is that as baby boomers retire, new workers will be needed. Surely, we need to better educate future generations of Americans, as well as continue to attract the best and the brightest.   (Matt York / Associated Press)

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