Immigration Matters for All

Throughout the previous posts, I have highlighted the importance immigration has in our community and the impact of immigrants in the US. The stories of immigrants who came to this country looking for a better life are innumerable, and I guess by now most of you are familiar with those stories. But that does not solve any of the issues that immigrants face everyday.  In the last few years, immigration has become a hot topic for politicians and lawmakers, which indicates that their voice is echoing more than ever before. Those who live in the shadows just because they do not have a legal status are getting the attention, but attention is not enough. Action is what they need from Congress, House of Representatives, and of course the President. But, how do we get them to take action in this controversial matter?

As predicted by many people, including me, this year is completely gone for an immigration reform. And, not to be pessimistic, but the reality is harsh for those who think something will happen soon. President Obama during his second inaugural address said: “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity, until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country…” But little or nothing has been achieved since then; in reality things have become worse for some immigrants. Those who support immigration rights are frustrated with President Barack Obama, mainly because during his time in office they have seen the deportation of nearly 2 million immigrants. Those numbers are setting a record compared to other previous administrations, and are setting anger and disappointment in thousands of families that have seen their members being deported to their countries. So, it is a bit contradictory what Obama is doing in terms of immigration.

Even if the President, together with Congressman and lawmakers pass an immigration reform, it is said that it will take a vey long period of time to find the path for a permanent residency (do not go too far with citizenship). Some speculate that the wait time will be from 5 to 10 years and that those immigrants will have to pay a fine for entering the country illegally. Again, those are just speculations that have been in the air for a while, but nothing is concrete until an immigration law is passed, if any. In the meantime, some states are working with immigrants’ advocates and authorities to help them get a driver license, a state ID, and even advocating for lower tuition rates for illegal immigrants who go to college or university. Although those actions are well received by some people, they also receive criticism, especially from others.

In the end, immigrants are still facing an uncertain future. For example, those who have completed their studies sometimes are not able to work because they do not have a social security number. Others have to take odd jobs that in most of the cases pay them below the minimum wage and obligate them to work for long hours. In terms of health, most do not have access to medical care since they do not have insurance. And I could go on with the list of difficulties they have to deal. By the way, with the examples giving above I am not trying to portray immigrants as victims of this system. There is no doubt that they have broken the laws and some of them have even committed crimes while in this country. But the majority is a vital work force that moves this country’s economy and so they need to be given some kind of stability. Without immigrants, millions of business would have to close their doors. Giving them the opportunity and the rights to have decent place to work, access to medical care, and most importantly the opportunity to receive education should be taken into consideration.

Fortunately, change is something that always happens. In regards of immigration, I hope is a positive one.