Economic value of undocumented workers up for debate amid immigration reform

Global Business

The economic value of undocumented workers is one of the most controversial issues in the U.S. immigration debate. Anti-immigration advocates argue that illegal immigrants are taking jobs from American citizens, but some economists point to the benefits that they bring to the U.S. economy.

There is debate over whether legitimizing recent arrivals will help the economy grow. According to the Institute of International Education, foreign born students contribute $25 billion to the U.S. economy.
The new immigration policy is seen as only a temporary fix to what many say is a broken system. The illegal immigrants that the policy affects will have to apply to renew their work permits every two years.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are attempting to block President Barack Obama’s new policy despite warnings that he will veto any legislation that goes against his executive order.

CCTV America’s Andrea Arenas reports from Washington.
Follow Andrea Arenas on Twitter @andreaarenas1