Immigration Reform 2015 News: Obama Wants $1 Billion Aid To Central America To Stop Illegal Immigration
President Barack Obama has allotted a $1-billion support package for Central America in the hope that it will decrease the number of illegal immigrants coming to the U.S.
The fund, included in the U.S. budget for 2016, will address the root causes of migration from Central America especially from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
"The President's Budget provides $1 billion to support a long-term, comprehensive strategy for Central America to minimize the pressures of illegal immigration on the United States," according to a copy of the fiscal budget.
The program focuses on the "causes of the dangerous migration of unaccompanied children and families, where Central American migrants are extremely vulnerable to becoming victims of violent crime or sexual abuse along the journey."
The aim is for Central America to have economic opportunities and safe environment for its people. Investments will be made within which the U.S. government can work with partners to improve the capability of Central American governments to reintegrate migrants and fight human smuggling.
Under its Strategy for Engagement in Central America, the U.S. government will support the "Alliance of Prosperity" plan developed by El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
The $1 billion is part of President's Obama's immigration executive actions that include cracking down on entry to the U.S. of illegal immigrants at the border; prioritizing the deportation of criminals; and allowing certain illegal immigrants who pass checks to temporarily stay in the U.S. and pay taxes.
President Obama still hopes that the House can pass an immigration bill that was passed by the Senate in 2013.
"The comprehensive reform supported by the President and passed by the Senate in 2013 would fix the nation's broken immigration system by continuing to strengthen U.S. border security, cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers, modernizing the nation's legal immigration system, and providing a pathway to earned citizenship for hardworking men and women who pay a penalty and taxes, learn English, pass background checks, and go to the back of the line," according to the budget.
If the immigration proposal becomes a law, the White House said it will "boost economic growth, reduce deficits, and strengthen Social Security."
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the immigration measure will reduce deficit by $160 billion in the first 10 years and by almost $1 trillion over 20 years.
Social Security Actuaries said the Senate bill would reduce Social Security shortfall by $300 billion in 10 years.
"While the President's executive actions will provide temporary relief while demanding accountability for those whose cases are not an enforcement priority, the Administration urges the Congress to act to permanently fix the nation's broken immigration system," the budget said.