Immigration of Foreign Workers: Labor Market Tests and Protections
"Economic indicators confirm that the U.S. economy sunk into a recession in December 2007.
Although some economic indicators suggest that growth has resumed, unemployment remains
high and is projected to remain so for some time. Historically, international migration ebbs during
economic crises; for example, immigration to the United States was at its lowest levels during the
Great Depression. While preliminary statistical trends hint at a slowing of migration pressures, it
remains unclear how the current economic recession will affect immigration. Addressing these
contentious policy reforms against the backdrop of economic crisis sharpens the social and
business cleavages and narrows the range of options.

Some employers maintain that they continue to need the “best and the brightest” workers,
regardless of their country of birth, to remain competitive in a worldwide market and to keep their
firms in the United States. While support for increasing employment-based immigration may be
dampened by the high levels of unemployment, proponents argue that the ability to hire foreign
workers is an essential ingredient for economic growth..."