Fourth. it confirms that the administration cannot unilaterally change U.S. law. As you can see. far from abdicating Congresss power from U.S. trade policy. our TPA bill enhances the role of Congress when it comes to trade agreements. Immigration. In addition to general concerns about constitutional powers and U.S. sovereignty. I have heard some express specific concerns that President Obama can use the TransPacific Partnership to enact changes to our immigration laws and that TPA will somehow empower him to do so. These concerns are unfounded for at least two reasons. First. immigration is completely irrelevant to the objectives of the TPP agreement and administration officials have been clear and unequivocal that no immigration provisions are under negotiation. Just last week. USTR Michael Froman testified before the Senate Committee on Finance and said: I can assure you that we are not negotiating anything in TPP that would require any modifications of the U.S. immigration laws or system. any changes to our existing visa system. And. in fact. TPP will explicitly state that it will not require changes in any partys immigration laws or procedures. Second. even if people dont trust this administration. particularly when it comes to immigration. the provisions of our TPA bill. the ones I just got through talking about. provide greater congressional oversight and authority over trade agreements and prevent this or any future administration from misleading Congress about what is included in any trade agreement. In other words. if anyone is worried that despite their clear statements to the contrary. the administration will use TPP to advance its immigration agenda. they should support our TPA bill. Transparency. Another concern I have heard from people both in and out of government is that trade agreements currently under discussion have been negotiated behind closed doors and that by renewing TPA.
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visa immigration Immigration