You might not believe it considering all the controversy
surrounding immigration in the U.S., but we have one of the most—if not the most—wide open and liberal
immigration policies in the world. Every year, more than 400,000 foreign
nationals legally move to the United States.
The United States as a society (not necessarily politicians,
mind you) seems to have realized the potential immigrants bring to this
country. Numerous studies have shown that immigrants are more likely than U.S.
citizens to start businesses, earn advanced degrees and fill needed positions
in the workforce that many citizens refuse to take themselves.
But it’s clearly not liberal enough because every year, just
as many people enter the country illegally. Consequently, immigration has
become a major political rallying point, dividing popular opinion and resulting
in drastic measures by lawmakers nationwide. One great example was the passage
of a law called SB-1070 in Arizona in 2010 that gave local police the power to
stop and question anyone they might think is in the country illegally. However,
the U.S. Supreme Court ruled much of the law unconstitutional before it took
effect.
On the other side of the aisle, lawmakers have tried to find
ways to deal fairly with the millions of undocumented immigrants already living
in the U.S., working, raising families and contributing to society. One such
example is the DREAM Act, which would offer a pathway to citizenship for
millions of undocumented immigrants, allowing them to live their lives in the
light of day. The implications would be far-reaching. It is estimated that just
in Los Angeles, The DREAM Act would benefit over 32,000 undocumented youths
between the ages of 13 and 19.
The DREAM Act has been introduced to Congress a handful of
times in the last few years and has failed every time. Efforts to reform the
legal immigration system have been equally frustrated, though well-intentioned
lawmakers and citizen activists continue to speak out in hopes that these
reforms will come. But, for the time being, hopeful U.S. immigrants are stuck
with the current laws and have no choice but to navigate the current maze of
rules and regulations which make up our broken immigration system.
There are quite a few options available to someone wanting
to immigrate to the U.S. Most people have heard of Lawful Permanent Residency (“green
card”). And of course, marrying a U.S. citizen will get you into the country or
keep you here, at least most of the time. But there are numerous lesser-known
visas available for immigrants who want to come work temporarily in the U.S.H-2A
visas are available for individuals seeking work in the agricultural industry
or other seasonal occupations. Highly-skilled immigrants who can fill needed
positions can obtain H-1B visas
(although there has been a shortage of H-1B visas for the past several years. E
visas are available for immigrant entrepreneurs who want to invest in the U.S.
economy, students can come on F or M visas and more.
The DREAM Act is before Congress again, this time as part of
S. 744, the Immigration Reform Bill currently wending its way through Congress.
Although not perfect, most immigration advocates agree it is a very good Bill
that will solve many of the problems created by the current, broken system.
Unfortunately, nobody knows when, or if S. 744 will become
law, and until then we need to work within the current maze of hard to
understand and often conflicting rules and regulations of the current system.
We can only hope that relief comes soon. We have already waited too long.
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