Whether you support or oppose immigration reform, one thing is clear: the topic has been an issue the United States has had to deal with for a number of years, yet has failed to come up with a solid consensus on how to effectively address the problem as of late.
As much as I fault the 535 voting members of Congress for not reaching a consensus, I understand some of their divisiveness (the rest of it is partisan politics in its truest form).
It’s a tough subject with a variety of aspects to consider. Even the most definitive people probably find themselves on the fence. I know I do, though I recently find myself leaning more and more in support of the president’s plan toward streamlining legal immigration.
Naturally, there’s the humanitarian and moral aspects that tugs at my heartstrings. I keep thinking about the parents in Central America who would rather send their children through Mexico and across the Rio Grande alone than have them stay in the crime-infested areas of the continent. I also think of the mother who crossed the Rio Grande on a jet ski while carrying a small child.
These examples are proof that the conditions are so dire that most are willing to risk all or nothing in an effort to enter the United States. I suppose putting ourselves in their shoes might help enlighten us to their plight.
At the present time, President Obama’s plan seems to offer the most cohesive approach toward rectifying the broken immigration system. Among other things, Obama’s initiative seeks to:
Secure borders.
Crack down on employers who cheat the system by hiring undocumented workers.
Provide visas to foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the U.S. in an effort to help boost our economy and create jobs.
Help high-performing STEM college graduates who are offered a job stay in the United States.
Unite immigrant families at a faster rate.
Implement a program that will make immigrants pay taxes and penalties in an effort to “get right” with the law. These immigrants will also have to learn English, undergo background checks and “go to the back of the line” behind other immigrants currently in the legal process of gaining entrance into this country before they themselves can become eligible for citizenship.
While Obama’s plan may not please everyone, rarely do most laws or agenda items. The key is for the benefits to outweigh any negative pushback. That’s what Obama’s plan does.
General naysayers cite the potential loss of American values, an increase in expenses, and the U.S. replicating the fall of Rome as reasons to oppose immigration reform. However, some Blacks who oppose such immigration efforts see things differently.
A select group of Blacks feel that “welcoming” immigrants into this country eliminates resources and jobs they feel belong to the African-American community.
I disagree, primarily because many of the jobs that are stereotypically “taken” by Hispanics and other immigrants are generally industries Blacks refuse to work. Industries such as landscape, janitorial and fast food.
There are some Blacks who would rather draw unemployment, get on welfare or receive food stamps than take what they consider a “lesser” job. Such rationale makes me question the real reason African-Americans are still the most underemployed race.
The matter of immigration will persist as long as we continue to sit around and waste time by going in circles debating one another. What we need, and what Obama is trying to do, is offer legislation that is not only humane to immigrants living here, but also fair to the citizens of the United States.
It is time for us to stop debating and start instituting the solutions.
