The social policy I chose to speak about is the GOP’s immigration plan.  I chose this particular current event because I feel it could potentially impact my job since the population I work with consists of roughly around 98% undocumented aliens and I am a strong advocate for immigration reform.

On Thursday, January 23, 2014, Republicans released their criteria for the immigration reform bill.  Among the new criteria are:  a zero tolerance policy for illegal border crossing, legal residence or citizenship for children brought to the US by their parents, and effective verification for employment.

This proposed social policy was affected by the political process because although Democrats thus far appear to be in favor of the new stipulations to the bill,  some of the principles completely discard the bill passed by Senate last year.  Some liberal opponents of the bill believe this could be a trick by the Republicans who will end up putting an anti-amnesty candidate on the election ballot resulting in no immigration votes at all in 2014.  They also feel some of the stipulations may create a permanent class of non-citizens who have no access to green cards who will continue to be exploited in the work force.  Many Republicans oppose the principles as well since they are not in favor of DREAMers or other undocumented immigrants working in the country legally.

Although both Republicans and Democrats have issues with some of the principles, most Democrats want some from of immigration reform to pass and hopefully the criteria set forth by the Republicans will make it more likely.  Hopefully both sides will be able to agree to the terms and come up with an agreement regarding the principles for an immigration reform bill.

With regard to potential policy windows being opened, I believe with regards to immigration reform, there is a political stream with a National mood, organized political forces, and government.  I also feel at this point, the policy is fragmented and although everyone wants some sort of change, no one can seem to agree on what needs to be done.

link to article:  http://theweek.com/article/index/255851.