Make a Path to Citizenship
There are some who say we should send every illegal immigrant in the country back home because they "broke into" our country, committed crimes, cost us money, and disrespected us. Then, there are those who argue that these poor, undocumented individuals are fleeing tragic circumstances, and as people, we have a responsibility to help them stay.
But in reality, there is some truth—and more untruths—in both positions.
The new administration is taking a sledgehammer to the leniency of past administrations' tolerance of illegal entry and support for those without formal authorization. They have already started seeking out, detaining, and quickly deporting individuals with criminal records. Some of these criminals are hardcore members of gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. All of them have a history of drugs, violence, and gang activity. Some are involved in sexual assault and sex trafficking. These are bad people, and most Americans are celebrating the new administration's approach. There is no question about deporting these individuals.
Then, there are people who lack the ability to support themselves, costing Americans in terms of education and integration. Many of them were flown in by our government for asylum. However, the administration has stated that they are starting with deporting criminals and will eventually address other individuals who entered illegally. This is where many Americans, including myself, believe we should focus on making a path to citizenship for immigrants who would be an asset to our country.
There is a common thought that every person who crossed the border is a criminal and illegal. However, in reality, this is not the case. They were welcomed into the country and supported by state and federal governments. Whether you agree with it or not, this is the reality.
My position—and one I wish others would adopt—is that these people have de facto reasons to be here. Not necessarily a "right," but they should not be treated as criminals. The whole world knew our border was open, and many people crossed because the previous administration turned a blind eye. Furthermore, many states and the federal government provided these individuals with food, housing, medical care, and some financial aid. While I believe that this approach to immigration was un-American, I don't think we should focus our hate on the people who came here. I would have done the same, and I believe you would too—seeking a brighter future for my family simply by walking through America's back door.
There may have been criminals crossing the border, and there may be immigrants who committed crimes while here. But simply for the fact that they crossed our border while being welcomed by our country, they should not be criminalized, nor necessarily penalized.
On the other hand, their status and benefits should not necessarily be automatically honored.
What if we offered a reasonable solution—not to those who want to be here, but to those we want here? The ones who have already proven their determination by leaving everything behind, spending all their money, and risking their lives, often forced to pay the Mexican cartel (which, again, our country allowed to happen). Many of these people didn't come here just for money or to lounge around; they came with the hope that our country would accept them, and they too could earn the right to be called a citizen of the United States. A large portion of these people sacrificed everything— leaving behind family, culture, and risking their lives crossing the border to live in uncertainty. This doesn’t necessarily translate into something beneficial for America, but it does show the kind of people we want in our country. It sets an example for our complacent youth, who may lack the motivation to get off their parents' couch. These immigrants have drive and determination. They came here with a dream, leaving everything behind, entering a world of risk and uncertainty, with hopes of working any job at any time and sometimes at any wage, just to exist. They hold the hope and dream of being accepted by our country and becoming part of the American dream. They want nothing more than to be called American.
How foolish would we be to send the most motivated people we could ever find out of our country on the false premise that they offended us by "breaking in"?
The immigrants I know in general have a fantastic work ethic. They are very family-oriented, love our country for the right reasons, and only wish to someday be called an American.
The current administration has promised that any illegal entrants who do not leave on their own and start the immigration process will be found, immediately deported, and barred from future immigration to the United States. Though it's harsh, I ask that we refrain from throwing hate at our current administration, our state government, or local government. They are simply doing what they believe is right. So, what are some common-sense solutions?
1.Allow enlistment into the military
•Young English-speaking migrants could be offered a path to citizenship through service in one of our military branches.
2.Help those coming from high-risk areas
•Many immigrants come from places like Haiti, where gangs run rampant. The United States could consider helping these communities establish safer environments in their home countries.
3.Offer paths for proven immigrants
•Consider pathways for immigrants who have already demonstrated the ability to support themselves. For example, allow personal and business sponsorship, making it easier for businesses or individuals to vouch for these immigrants, ensuring their moral and financial responsibility, at least on a trial basis, before they apply for citizenship.
4. Always put our country's interests first
•Continue seeking out and deporting criminals.
•Deport individuals who are 100% incapable of supporting themselves. While I wish no ill will toward this group, I’m not a big proponent of supporting them for decades, or possibly never, when they may never become self-sufficient.
Ultimately, America should come first—our safety, sovereignty, and economic well-being should prevail above all else. Let’s create a path to citizenship for the immigrants who have already proven themselves as assets to our country: those who have found work, supported themselves, avoided criminal activity, used minimal government benefits, and above all, want to become American— not just here for income, but here to contribute to maintaining the greatness of our nation. Let's offer a quicker path to citizenship for those who have shown they can contribute meaningfully to the future of the United States.