As a matter of fact, no immigration reform is needed. Like gun control, the laws are there, nobody enforces it. Politicians pretend to do something about a contentious election issue and pass some more laws that nobody enforces. Existing laws is: the INS (ICE) decides which skill is needed in the US, and gives work permits - (H-1) visas - to those who have the skill. Since we have more lawyers (legal career) than we need, of course it's better off that the author gives up his legal career if he wants to become citizen. Eons ago, before Hong Kong was returned to China, some Hong Kong physicians actually learned to become jewel designers who were eligible to emigrate to Australia, while a British trained doctor was not.

This is a VERY common complaint by non-Mexican immigrants. I've known various people over the years - Bangladeshis, Nigerians, Poles - all say the same thing. The US immigration policy is de facto controlled by Mexico City, not the American people, and it is run to benefit Mexico, not the United States.

ic:

The laws are the problem that needs reform (repeal).

This whole thing starts to make sense if you look at the current system as a job protection racket for while collar workers(Who, amazingly are the ones running the system now!).

And all those professionals are the ones who benefit from the hiring of cheap gardeners, cooks, housekeepers, dishwashers, and day laborers.

Neither gardening nor construction are "unskilled", if done properly. Mr. Shapiro probably never tried to wire a house or put in a sink. G-d, I hate trying to do a plumbing job. Never seems to work.

Boo hoo! Poor dear.

A landscaper has a far better chance of faking being a lawyer than vice versa.

Bob, you talkin' to me or Ilya? You do plumbing well?

erp, I do both well.

jd. Wouldn't doubt it for minute, but then you're not some elitist leftie condescending to the great unwashed.