The immigration debate in the United States refers to the issue of illegal aliens entering the U.S. Often the debate focusses on workers crossing into the United States via the U.S./Mexican border.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the appointment of Alan Bersin to the post of 'border czar' during a visit to El Paso, Texas on April 15, 2009. Bersin, who held a similar position under President Bill Clinton, will be tasked with controlling illegal immigration and drug violence along the U.S.-Mexican border.

On June 22, 2010 President Barack Obama requested emergency funds totaling $600 million to secure an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents and a well as two drones and various other security mechanisms.http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/22/nation/la-na-border-patrol-20100623 On Wednesday, June 23 Janet Napolitano hailed the presidents efforts to tighten border control, and stated that "The border is as secure now as it's ever been."http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/immigration-reform-secure-border-prerequisite-reform-bill/story?id=11002367

• The McCain-Kennedy proposal: Proposed by Senators John McCain and Edward Kennedy, the legislation would grant a three-year work permit to illegal aliens at a cost of $1,000. The permit expires in six-years, whereupon the individual can apply for permanent work status provided that they have not broken any laws and have studied English.

• The Specter proposal: Proposed by Arlen Specter, the legislation would disallow any avenue to a permanent work permit. Rather, this proposal would allow employers to sponsor illegal aliens into a guest worker program. In order for an employer to qualify, they would have to prove that they attempted to hire U.S. workers first.