The terrorist attacks on America appear likely to reverberate through the nation’s immigrant communities, inspiring political support for new restrictions on foreign visitors and at least slowing momentum for proposals to grant legal status to an estimated 3 million undocumented Mexican workers.
Key congressional supporters of an amnesty for illegal immigrants have set aside the idea for now, turning their attention to efforts to tighten security along the nation’s borders and improve visitor screening.
The Bush administration also has shifted its focus to stricter controls on immigration. The White House proposed legislation this week that would allow authorities to detain or deport immigrants suspected of having ties to terrorists without presenting evidence in court. The provision would cover even longtime permanent residents.
The political climate has nearly turned around in the two weeks since Mexican President Vicente Fox’s well-received state visit. That visit celebrated the contributions new immigrants have made to the U.S., and the two presidents predicted early action on efforts to ease migration across their common border.
Last week’s events, however, have eclipsed the images that Bush and Fox had cultivated of hardworking, tax-paying Hispanic laborers yearning for the American dream. At least for the time being, the focus is on the West Bank Palestinians who cheered news of the World Trade Center’s collapse and the photos of Arab men suspected of participating in the hijackings.
The immigration status of most of the hijackers remains uncertain. But the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and revelations that the plotters’ spiritual leader was in the U.S. awaiting an asylum hearing helped build support for a 1996 law that tightened asylum rules and greatly limited immigrants’ protection against deportation.
Many members of Congress have been cautious about embracing the administration’s proposals on detention and deportation. But several members of Congress said they expect the package will pass in some form, although perhaps with protections added for immigrants.
In the meantime, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) declared efforts to ease immigration from Mexico on hold. Democratic Senate aides agreed with his judgment.
“It’s obviously going to make it harder. National priorities have changed,” said Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), a supporter of illegal immigrant amnesty.
However, the long-term impact on immigration policy is less certain.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, Bush aides reiterated the president’s commitment to new arrangements with Mexico to promote “safe, orderly, legal and dignified” migration between the two countries.
Fox, who has voiced support for Washington since the attacks, said he is confident Bush will deliver on the commitment.
“President Bush, in the midst of this tragedy, does not forget that we have commitments to regularize the situation of migrants,” Fox said in his weekly radio address Saturday.
“The truth is that it surprised me that, even in these difficult moments, President Bush himself does not forget these commitments.”
