Immigration harmonization

There is little difference between Barack Obama's position on immigration and John McCain's. However, there are some subtle differences which I will try to point out here.

Their Plans

Surprisingly enough, the two plans are almost exactly the same. You could accurately describe each plan as follows:

• Secure the borders
• Crack down on companies that employ illegal immigrants
• Improve the immigration system
• Create a fair system to allow current illegals to become citizens

Difference #1: How we secure the borders

John McCain's plan is more strict on securing the borders. While both plans support additional infrastructure and personnel on the border, McCain's plan additionally proposes funding for US Attorney's offices in border states, homeland security software, and unmanned aerial vehicles. McCain also wants to hold border-state governors accountable to border security standards.

Difference #2: Addressing illegals

According to his web site, "Barack Obama supports a system that allows undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, not violate the law, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens."

John McCain's plan includes expedited treatment for individuals brought here illegally as minors.

McCain's plan also requires illegals to take a citizen course and be subjected to background checks before they are admitted as citizens.

Obama's unique idea

Obama has one item in his immigration plan that John McCain does not. He believes that we need to work with Mexico and promote Mexican economic development. His idea is that if Mexico's economy grows, fewer immigrants will attempt to enter America illegally.

McCain's unique idea

McCain plans to implement a temporary workers program which will allow important workers in all sectors of the economy to stay and maintain the workforce. His philosophy is that if large amounts of illegal workers are forced to leave the country, our economy will suffer.