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Changes to the country's immigration policy are in the works. The Senate may soon pass its immigration overhaul, which could increase pressure on the House to take action of its own. Opinions remain sharply divided over the best course for immigration reform, and debate seems likely to heat up in coming weeks.


One new factor informing that debate will be a study, recently conducted by Harvard Medical School researchers, showing that immigrants have a positive effect on federal health spending. The study found that immigrants contribute more funds to Medicare than they take out. 


The Daily Circuit will examine the immigration debate, with special attention to the economic effects of immigration.

Despite Early Success, Immigration Bill Faces Uncertain Path Forward


"If immigration reform's prospects are bright in the Senate, they remain murky overall. The easiest way for the bill to pass would be for the House to take up the Senate bill, which could sneak through with the support of a majority of Democrats and a rump faction of Republicans. In recent months, that's been the model for passing big-ticket legislation, such as the New Year's Day tax compromise to avert the fiscal cliff. Members of the Senate's Gang of Eight are hoping that generating some 70 votes in the upper chamber will apply enough pressure that House Republicans will be forced to go along — or face a backlash at the ballot box." (Swampland, Time)

Here's the economic advice Congress is getting on immigration


"We've written a fair bit about the economic aspects of immigration over the past few months. But what do members of Congress think about the subject? And what sorts of experts are they listening to? Here's some insight: On Wednesday and Thursday this week, the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee held a two-day hearing on the economics of immigration — and on the potential impact of the Senate immigration bill now on the table. The hearing was well attended and co-chaired by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Tex.)" (Wonkblog, Washington Post)

How do immigrants affect the country's bottom line?

Go Deeper.

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