Problem:
The United
States is faced with rising conflict over immigration. The issue is divisive
and an emotional one. The two parties stand on different sides of the problem,
as usual. The fiscal cliff crisis has not forced Obama to take his eye off of
immigration reform as he pushes congress to become less partisan and work
together on the issue. Perhaps this strategy is working as Joe Biden recently
told the press that he believes the GOP is beginning to soften its position and
is beginning to become more willing to consider reform. As it stands today,
however, the Mexican-American border is blocked and patrolled and it’s becoming
increasingly difficult to become a U.S. citizen. Despite this, our country is based
on immigration, based on the ideal of offering opportunity to those who were
denied it elsewhere. Every American family, with the exception of full-blooded
Native Americans, can trace their roots back to an immigrant who came to this
country full of hope and promise. It is time for the fear and xenophobia to
end. It is time for immigration reform.
Existing Laws:
The 2011
Birthright Citizenship Act allows all children born in the U.S. and it’s
territories to be naturalized citizens. The Birthright Citizenship Act was an
addition to the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which ended immigration
restrictions based on race. It also allowed for immigrants to be denied access
to the U.S. based on suspected subversive activities and for immigrants to be
deported after being charged with subversive activities. In addition, the 14th
amendment helps to define citizenship and broaden its previous definition. This
bill addresses similar concerns as the DREAM Act but allows minors to become
full citizens rather than gain residency benefits and does not require a
college degree or military service to gain citizenship.
Proposal:
I propose that a
law be passed allowing children who enter the country illegally to be granted
citizenship. Many find fault with soft regulations on immigration because it
takes jobs from legal workers and allows illegal immigrants to jump ahead,
entering the country before those waiting to come in legally. However, these
are not the crimes of children. Children who grow up knowing essentially no
other home than the U.S. should not be deported years later. Children should
not be deported because their parents brought them here hoping for a brighter
future. Many children who enter the U.S. illegally and grow up here do not
speak the language of their native country and are unable to function
appropriately there, unable to contribute to society in the way they can here. This
reform will allow children to register and show proof of residence and file for
citizenship. This will help to promote a healthier and more accepting nation.
Committee:
This issue would
fall under the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.
Sources:
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