Immigration news

Republicans and Democrats are unable to reach agreement in the United States Congress over legislation that would allow more foreign-born graduates from US universities to get visas allowing them to work in the US. There are currently two bills before Congress which would grant more visas to science and technology graduates. One was sponsored by the Republicans and the other by the Democrats. Because they will not support each other's laws, it seems that neither bill will be passed.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA), one of Britain's main immigration authorities, has placed a contract to find and deport illegal immigrants in the hands of a private sector company, Capita. The contract will see Capita paid a fee for each migrant from the 'Migration Refusal Pool' that leaves the country after being contacted by Capita. Rob Whiteman, the chief executive of the UKBA told the Home Affairs Select Committee of the contract when he appeared before it yesterday morning, 18th September 2012.

Two surveys of UK attitudes to immigration suggest that UK attitudes to immigration are hardening.

A report published yesterday, September 18th 2012 says that the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the separate provincial temporary worker programs, create problems for low-paid temporary migrants and leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

The Republican candidate for the US presidential election on November 6th, Mitt Romney, is to make a speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles today 17th September 2012. He will tell them that if he is elected, he will work with Republicans and Democrats to 'fix' the US immigration system. Mr Romney will say 'Americans may disagree about how to fix our immigration system but I think we can all agree that it is broken'.

The acting head of the UK Border Force (the UKBF), Brian Moore, told the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee that the organisation is considering the introduction of a fast stream at passport control for rich travellers. Mr Moore addressed the committee today 18th September 2012. He was asked by committee chairman Keith Vaz whether the UKBF had any plans to extend a trial of a 'priority queuing system' that was trialled at Heathrow this year. Under this trial, the UKBF operated fast track passport lanes for citizens of 'Old Commonwealth' countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.