Issues: Immigration
Immigration
We need an efficient immigration system that not only makes us more secure, but also protects individuals fleeing persecution, respects the rights of all people, and acknowledges the social, economic, and cultural contributions of immigrants.
As Americans, nearly all of us are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants. Over time we have learned to live together and accept each other as fellow countrymen. Legal immigration is woven into the fabric of our country and is one of the many things that make America great. Americans should always welcome those who subscribe to the values of freedom, equality, and opportunity. The contentious issue concerning immigration focuses on legality.
Immigration policies need to be reformed and enforced. We have ignored this issue for the last 20 years, and now we are facing the consequences. Further criminalization and the building of walls will accomplish nothing. We must deal with the realities of the situation and fix our broken policies.
I will propose policies which will focus on the following:
Employer Accountability - Certain industries and employers in America enable illegal immigrants by providing them jobs, and in some cases housing. Employers should be required to verify their workers’ employment eligibility, and be penalized when they operate with a disregard for immigration laws.
Migrant Workers – Immigrants—both legal and illegal—fill many low-skilled jobs in America. In many cases, U.S. citizens will not fill these jobs, and availability is time dependent. If an employer can show that he cannot hire enough U.S. citizens to do all the necessary work, documented foreign workers should be able fill these needs through a program allowing a limited number of temporary workers to fill these jobs.
Path to Legal Status for Long-Term Undocumented Workers - By offering a path to legal status for long-term undocumented immigrants, American agencies will be able to identify illegal immigrants looking to achieve legal status. In order to achieve legal status, immigrants must be able to show and or pass:Once these requirements have been met, immigrants will be able to apply for long-term status after paying a fine for their undocumented residence and an application fee. These measures will reduce both the burdens—financial or otherwise—and the dangers that an increasingly large undocumented illegal immigrant population brings.
- Background checks focusing on criminal history and national security threats
- Proof of employment
- Proof of up-to-date tax payments
- Achievement of required score on an English language proficiency test
Enforcement - These policies will be of no use unless they are strictly enforced. Deporting illegal immigrants who fail to comply with new policies and imposing large fines for businesses employing undocumented immigrants are the necessary methods to ensure effectiveness.