ABSTRACT
Proposals for changing the immigration system appear certain to result in substantial changes in admissions policy in the near future. Foremost may be a shift in focus on the reunification of immediate family members away from that of siblings and married children. After a transition period, the number of immigrants permitted will return to levels characteristic of the late- 1980s. Other changes, such as strengthening the legal responsibilities of U.S. sponsors or requiring citizenship for the receipt of most needs-based programs, represent an emphasis on a broader scope having to do with immigrant integration policies. The observations presented here address some key assumptions about the legacy of recent legislation, the inherent economic advantage of immigrant family members, and immigrants’ use of transfer payments.
