The Pros And Cons Of Immigration Reform

Immigration was one of the more divisive issues in the time leading up to the presidential election in 2016; however, this issue has been debated for decades. Different solutions have been proposed from all across the political spectrum. These solutions have ranged from mass deportation all the way to mass amnesty. Since immigration has been an extremely partisan issue, very little legislation has been passed, with the most recent congressional legislation being the “Secure Fence Act” of 2006. Over the past several years, there have been attempts at immigration reform such as the “Gang of Eight” as well as recent work to secure funding for additional border security (Cohn). However, at the heart of all these propositions is the idea changes

This can be done by taking action against cities that do not comply with federal immigration law by removing federal funding (Carney). This must be combined with actions that make it harder to gain access through our southern border. One step is to enforce the “Secure Fence Act” in areas where it is practical. This law from 2006 calls for a border fence and it simply needs to be funded and implemented. It should be done in areas where it is practical and where a fence would be useful such as urban areas. Natural barriers (Ex. deserts or rivers) can be used in lieu of fences. This ought to be combined with high tech solutions. Motion detection cameras, radar, drones, and other means can be utilized to aid the work of border patrol offices (McNeill). It is also necessary to prevent individuals from overstaying their visas. This can be done by taking steps to ensure that anyone who comes into the country leaves on time. It is also crucial to make sure American employers do not drive illegal immigration by hiring undocumented workers. We need to bolster and codify the E-Verify Program from which employers can check

The first step of this would be to enforce the laws we do have while working to update them. We are a nation of laws and those who break the law should be punished (Morgan). This means that some illegal immigrants will have to be deported. However, it would be nearly impossible to deport every single illegal immigrant. The primary objective should be deporting criminals, gang members, and those with limited ties here in the United States. Potentially as a compromise, some of the most law-abiding and contributive might be able to stay if they meet certain qualifications and are willing to go through a lengthy process. Such a program as this would have to be temporary and limited in scale. An additional matter that must be addressed is the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals, also known as DACA. Since these individuals were brought here by no choice of their own, it would seem wrong to punish them for their parents’ crimes. If they are willing to sign up for a temporary program involving a background check and are able to prove that they were brought by a parent rather than as an unaccompanied minor, they could have a chance at citizenship. However, such a program would also have to be temporary because it would encourage lawbreaking if allowed to continue. After this is implemented, it would not be available