The term immigration reform is a political discussion in respect to changes in our current immigration policy in the United States. The exact definition of reform is to modify into an improved state or order, by adapting or removing flaws. Immigration reform began in 1986 and has continued to be a trending topic over the decades. Recently it has been a trending topic due to the fact that former president, Barack Obama, was trying to amend America's broken immigration system. However our new president, Donald Trump, is moving us backwards in the progressive steps we've taken. Immigration reform is a commonly misconstrued idea in our society blaming millions of innocent immigrants for the current issues that trouble the nation. However throughout the economic and social issues that our country has endured for centuries, it is well known that the work of immigrants is what has allowed our country to prosper, as well as be what it is today. Reform in our immigration policies is needed, we must amend the aspects of our laws for numerous reasons such as evoking negative feelings, separating families and it being an unbalanced system.
With the topic being a trend currently it actually has brought about a small change but a change nevertheless. States such as Arizona and New York are taking incentive to change their immigration laws. Our immigration system is corrupt and unbalanced. We have millions of illegal immigrants contributing to society and the economy who are valuable assets to states. We also have a lot of people looking to immigrate here for numerous reasons. However visas are not granted equally in our immigration laws. For example a visitor's visa can be obtained in a matter of weeks, whereas a family based visa has a limit of acceptances per year, requires stacks of paperwork and can take anywhere from five to fifteen years.
Bringing up my next issue with our immigration laws, it separates loved ones and families. For those living here illegally the reality of being deported at any point in time is quite real. An illegal immigrant is not granted permanent residence but under the united states law, any child that was conceived on American soil is granted immediate citizenship. Which means for the millions of immigrants who are living here through an illegal status, immigration and customs enforcement can come and rip apart their families. Deporting the parents back to their native countries and leaving children in foster care. Extensive studies on what happens to the children when this does occur has been done. It was shown that these children have poorer health, poorer child behavioral outcomes, poorer educational outcomes and diminished access to food. For those who did immigrate here legally or were born here being granted immediate citizenship but are seeking to bring loved ones from other countries, the process is one that is time consuming and appears hopeless. Which also takes a emotional and physical toll on a person put in this situation. Leaving neither situation to be seen as ideal.
The fourteenth amendment in the U.S constitution prohibits states from unlawfully discriminating against non citizens. However I do not believe we are following the constitution. If we were we wouldn't evoke negative and apprehensive emotions for those looking to be granted legal status. For illegal immigrants it is the fear of being deported that is brought to light, whereas for immigrants looking to come to the United States legally it brings about fear of denial. The process of becoming a U.S citizen or permanent resident is not an easy one and while naturalization should be a meaningful act it shouldn't bring about fear, uncertainty and separation.
On November 2014 President Obama gave a speech where he said this "Scripture tells us that we shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger-- we were strangers once, too. My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too." Immigration reform needs to take place, we need to push aside our negative feelings towards it and consider the feelings of others experiencing it. We must walk in the footsteps of those seeking to achieve legal status and move towards a real solution. One that will no longer evoke fear, cause separation or be unbalanced.