Citizenship... for Illegals?

           

 There are millions of people who would like to become American citizens. Among them, there are those who are trying to get into the country using the right process, and those who got into the country legally but, there are those who are in the country illegally. So, let us discuss America's immigration policy and its reformation. I think the immigration reform is a mistake; it is not focusing on solving the problem, illegal immigration.

               The Immigration Act of 1965 is the law governing current immigration policy. It states that immigration to the United States will be based upon the following: the reunification of families, admitting immigrants with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy, and protecting refugees.  This is the system that should be followed not one that will harm Americans. The Immigration Reform bill proposes a legal way to earn citizenship: passing a background check, paying taxes, paying a penalty, and learning English. This process is to me unfair and disrespectful of people like me who patiently waited two years to attain a visa and cross the border legally. We are the people following the law and trying to become citizens legally, a process that requires five years of residence and other requirements; but even then you are not guaranteed citizenship. In addition to it being disrespectful and unfair, Tom Cotton, a representative of Arkansas and an Iraq war veteran, says, "This approach is unjust and counterproductive. We should welcome the many foreigners patiently obeying our laws and waiting overseas to immigrate legally. Instead, the Senate bill's instant, easy legalization rewards lawbreakers and thus encourages more illegal immigration”. I agree with his statement. 

             My opposition to the bill is because I believe it will encourage more illegal-immigration. People will think that if they come out of the shadows, they will be pitted and given citizenship after a slap on the wrist. Instead of punishing law breakers, this reform will reward them with a one way ticket to achieving the American dream that every immigrant to the United States is searching for. I don’t think that is fair to anyone. Immigration reform is an attempt at fixing the immigration policy currently in effect. I beg to differ, I don’t think the policy is broken but I however, think that there is no authority figure that can be trusted by the public to enforce it. The people we trust to protect and do what’s best for us need to do their job.