Here are eight questions on immigration and immigration reform for candidates for elected office:

1. One of the tragic consequences of our immigration policies and the increased presence of the Border Patrol on the U.S.-Mexico border is the increase in immigrant deaths: In the past 5 years alone, over 2000 migrants have been found dead in the desert. What reforms would you propose to stem these deaths? What policies would you reform to allow economic migrants to safely enter the U.S.?

2. Thousands of unaccompanied minors enter the U.S. each year to reunite with their families, either because their parents are here illegally, or because the wait for a visa can exceed 5 years. Some die in the deserts, others are captured by border patrol agents and placed in the detention system with adults. What reforms would you propose that would reduce the numbers of unaccompanied children entering the U.S?

3. With $3 billion budgeted for border security in 2003, dramatic increases in the Border Patrol’s budget and staffing, and the accelerated construction of border fencing, more immigrants have been forced to enter the U.S. by crossing the harsh deserts, which has increased deaths. What proposals would you have to reorganize the Border Patrol and to demilitarize the U.S.-Mexico border? Would you support the removal of over 80 miles of fencing between the U.S. and Mexico?

4. Most Presidential candidates have recognized that U.S. immigrants have historically contributed to the social and economic development of our country. However, most immigration reform proposals focus on providing incentives for immigrants to return to their own countries instead of remaining in the U.S. Even those who do not want to stay in the U.S. permanently may choose to remain longer than the 3-6 years often proposed. Do you have a proposal for immigration reform, and if so would it allow for longer periods for temporary workers? How would your proposal address issues of long-term residency and citizenship?

5. Some politicians have proposed that only immigrants who have guaranteed jobs would be able to legally enter the U.S. Unfortunately, most migrants depend on informal networks of family, friends, and “headhunters” to find the low-paying and labor intensive jobs that they fill. What type of system do you propose to allow migrants to gain access to job listings, taking into account the low technology environment of many of their places of origin?

6. Many immigrant workers are in jobs that pay minimum wage and have no health care benefits or access to other social services. They have become a permanent underclass. Those without legal status are afraid to get any medical care or other services because revealing their identity could get them deported. What reforms would you propose to ensure adequate services for those workers who are filling jobs on the lowest levels that U.S. citizens are not filling?

7. While much attention is given to undocumented or illegal immigrants, little attention is given to business owners who break laws regarding wages, benefits, work conditions, etc. while taking advantage of the unprotected status of immigrant workers. What proposals would you introduce to ensure that the rights of immigrant workers are protected and that business owners are made to comply with U.S. wage and labor laws?

8. Some have suggested that proposed free trade agreements would stem the flow of migrant workers to the U.S. NAFTA has not proven this to be true. How would your trade policies ensure that people in other nations have access to economic opportunities in their home communities, so that they are not forced to travel – often to the U.S. – in search of work?