Welcome Teamwork on Immigration

California’s politically diverse congressional delegation rarely agrees on anything, especially a controversial issue like illegal immigration. And, as among Californians in general, debate on the issue in Washington is not purely partisan; within the ranks of either party strong differences often emerge. That is why a new comity among seven House Democrats--including one who has a reputation of being tough on immigration and several who often advocate on behalf of immigrants--is welcome. Their consensus on a package of proposed legislation bodes well for a broader national compromise.

The House Democrats who took the lead on this difficult subject despite their differences are Xavier Becerra and Lucille Roybal-Allard of Los Angeles, Anthony C. Beilenson of Woodland Hills, Esteban E. Torres of La Puente, Bob Filner and Lynn Schenk of San Diego and Sam Farr of Carmel. Their balanced approach already is attracting additional support in Congress.

A measure sponsored by Beilensen would increase the size of the U.S. Border Patrol from 3,500 to 6,000 agents, upgrade its equipment and improve training. Controlling the nation’s borders better is an approach that many Republicans like, so bipartisan support is probable.

Another immigration law enforcement bill would require the federal government to reimburse states for the cost of imprisoning undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime. Beilenson puts that cost at $18,000 per year per prisoner. Gov. Pete Wilson puts the cost even higher. Whatever the amount, California would benefit from enactment of this legislation.

Becerra, a staunch advocate for immigrants, would toughen federal rules to protect from workplace discrimination Latinos, Asian Americans and other legal U.S. residents who may look or sound foreign. His bill would expand federal authority to investigate discrimination complaints that arise in connection with employers’ required checking of the immigration status of workers. Another bill by Becerra would establish a federal review board to investigate civil rights abuses by federal agents. Both bills are needed to protect citizens and legal residents from the improper treatment that can result from overzealous efforts to crack down on illegal immigrants.

By eliminating a backlog in the naturalization and swearing-in process, a bill sponsored principally by Farr would encourage more immigrants who reside here legally to become citizens. Legal residents who seek U.S. citizenship would also benefit from the additional English and civics instruction provided for in a bill pushed by Roybal-Allard.

Although each of these bills has a primary sponsor, the packaging of the legislation reflects a team effort that encourages rational debate on a hot-button issue. This constructive approach to the immigration issue merits support both in Washington and at home.