Barack Obama on Immigration
Securing the Border and Helping Families
In May 2007, Barack Obama said the following in a meeting of the U.S. Senate: “The time to fix our broken immigration system is now… We need stronger enforcement on the border and at the workplace… But for reform to work, we also must respond to what pulls people to America… Where we can reunite families, we should. Where we can bring in more foreign-born workers with the skills our economy needs, we should” Obama’s plan to tackle immigration reform contains five parts: creating secure borders, improving our immigration system, removing incentives to enter the U.S. illegally, bringing people out of the shadows, and working with Mexico.
Creating Secure Borders
In order to deter more illegal immigration Obama supports increased manned patrols and the use of better technology. However, he concedes that some additional fencing may be needed in areas where it will discourage illegal entry and dangerous crossings. While this may provide some relief, Obama insists that securing the border should only be a small part of a larger comprehensive immigration reform.
Improving Our Immigration System
Barack Obama wants to, at the very least, get rid of the point system of immigration which rewards workers that have higher education or are more skilled. Obama believes that this provision is moving the U.S. toward a class-based immigration system which he believes harms families by taking away their visas. He proposes that we should instead factor in qualities such as character, work ethic, and family ties.
Removing Incentives to Enter Illegally
Obama wants to reform immigration by taking away the incentives that drive people to come here illegally. One step he suggests is to implement mandatory electronic screening by employers in order to verify the legal status of their employees.
Bringing People Out of the Shadows
Barack Obama thinks it is important to document all of the undocumented people living in the United States. He proposes that we give these people provisional status and a chance to apply for citizenship if they will come forward and pay a fine. Obama does not believe that deportation is the answer, especially because these immigrants play an important role in our society.
Working with Mexico
The economic stability of Mexico is an important factor to Obama. He believes that the more we help Mexico in its economic development, the less incentive there will be for its citizens to immigrate to the U.S.
Analysis
The cons of Obama’s plan are increased border security, mandatory electronic screening for employers and brining people out of the shadows. While all of these proposals will help the current immigration problem to an extent, they only help on the surface. On the other hand, proposals like getting rid of the point system and working with Mexico attack the root of the immigration problem and are essential for immigration reform.
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