ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the stated goals of immigration policy and considers legislation connected to the women's lives. Significant legislation has been passed or buried in committee which affects immigrant women's lives. The initial goal of the first immigration legislation written in the 1800s was for exclusion of unwanted immigrants. Immigration legislation affects and controls immigrant women's lives. The legislative bill introduced provides for visitor or student visas as a stop-gap measure to help alleviate the emotional pain experienced while the families are separated. The delivery of the provisions of the legislation demonstrates a conflict of values between Congress and the State Department. Congress is concerned with pleasing their constituents and creating laws which meet their needs. If the value of the administration and Congress is to support immigrant families then additional provisions need to be addressed by new legislation.
