Immigration bill is a big step forward for border security
The U.S. immigration laws have several humanitarian programs and protections that are rooted in American values, including political asylum and refugees; temporary protective status for countries that are designated to be in conditions that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely to their country of origin; T and U visas for victims of human trafficking and other humanitarian measures.
For those who don’t fit the humanitarian categories and still want to come to the U.S. for job opportunities, there are immigrant and non-immigrant visas available. In the H-1B program alone, for example, 65,000 foreign workers each year can benefit from job opportunities. There are sponsored possibilities for green cards under the employment-based routes or self-sponsored visas.
The U.S. is one of the few countries that enables a resident from another country to become a citizen. It is worth noting the following quote from former President Ronald Reagan: “I received a letter just before I left office from a man. I don’t know why he chose to write it, but I’m glad he did. He wrote that you can go to live in France, but you can’t become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Italy, but you can’t become a German, or an Italian. He went through Turkey, Greece, Japan, and other countries. But he said anyone, from any corner of the world, can come to live in the United States and become an American.”
The routes are countless, and despite having room for improvement in the applicable legislation, there is no excuse for breaking the law.
In Fiscal Year 2022, the Border Patrol encountered a record 2,378,944 undocumented immigrants at the United States’ southwest border with Mexico. Additionally, Border Patrol agents observed more than 606,000 undocumented immigrants enter the country without being encountered by law enforcement.
Illegal immigration costs the American taxpayer approximately $182.1 billion annually as of the beginning of 2023, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform. Therefore, it is not a surprise to have Florida and Texas, two out of the three states that have the greatest number of illegal immigrants, now discussing ways to curb this practice to reestablish law and order.
Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a widespread measure aimed at tightening border security and increasing penalties for undocumented workers.
DeSantis’ proposed legislation is a significant step toward reinforcing measures to combat illegal immigration, as it incorporates critical strategies such as increasing penalties for human smuggling and requiring universal use of E-Verify by all employers. Additionally, enhancing penalties for document falsification and invalidating all out-ofstate driver’s licenses are important steps in ensuring that individuals entering the country illegally do not have access to vital documents that could assist them in remaining undetected.
Illegal immigration poses several challenges for the United States, including overwhelming resources and compromising national security. Moreover, it directly affects the economy of the country and jeopardizes job opportunities for lawful citizens.
No matter your political leanings, it is agreed that immigration is an important component of America. The U.S. was built by immigrants. In John F. Kennedy’s words: “Everywhere, immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.” In order to have a strong, robust and welcoming country for all, the U.S. must ensure that its immigration policies are effectively implemented and enforced. However, it is also important to ensure that these policies are fair and just, striking a balance between the country’s security concerns and its historical legacy as a nation of immigrants.
“Illegal immigration poses several challenges for the United States, including overwhelming resources and compromising national security.”