Fixing immigration system must be a priority
Immigration has played a crucial role in the history of the United States since its founding. Although not always perfect, the U.S. has been relatively welcoming, especially compared to some other nations, and routinely made efforts to accept people from around the world. However, with the global economy becoming more unpredictable and the work environment changing, immigration has emerged as a critical issue troubling Americans.
Recent polling from Gallup indicates that for the first time since 2019, illegal immigration has become the “most important problem” for many Americans, surpassing government, the economy and inflation. Voters want the government and President Joe Biden to swiftly handle the issue. However, as expected, little is being accomplished in Washington these days, as neither Democrats nor Republicans
can agree on the best solutions to this decadeslong problem. In a talk two months ago before the National Governors Association, Biden signaled he might take executive actions to block certain entry into the United States, but he still has yet to act, which is unsurprising. Since Biden took office, the president has allowed over 2.4 million migrants who sought to come here illegally into the U.S., from countries ranging from Afghanistan to Ukraine, with the majority coming from south of the U.S. southern border.
In 2021, Biden promised a more welcoming and kinder immigration policy. Fast forward three years, and we now face an unsustainable immigration situation. Immigration is not a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution for anyone, anywhere in the world, to come into the United States whenever they want. It is a privilege granted by the citizens of the United
States, not merely because we are good people, which we are, but also because it must serve our national interest.
Allowing millions of individuals into our country without properly vetting them or verifying the legitimacy of their asylum claims is dangerous. It poses a national security risk and can strain the limited social programs that hardworking, impoverished Americans rely on.
Americans from every part of the country are rightfully angry about illegal immigration. When people see resources, such as housing and debit cards loaded with cash, directed to illegal immigrants at the expense of Americans — particularly as they struggle to afford basic necessities with the cost of everyday goods such as groceries, baby formula, and gas on the rise due to inflation — frustration grows.
The sovereignty of any nation is fundamental to preserving its culture and history, however imperfect. While immigration is certainly part of our history, it cannot be unfettered and disorderly. Promoting diversity at the expense of integrating and assimilating our values, and what it means to be American, risks clashes between citizens and migrants here illegally.
Addressing the needs of those seeking entry while ignoring the plight of Americans leads to anger and resentment toward migrants, most of whom, I believe, genuinely want a better life. The increased likelihood of Americans resenting migrants seeking entry into the U.S. should be concerning to our political leaders in our already divided country.
For the White House, this means ending catch and release and declaring a national emergency to expand and expedite the removal of migrants here illegally. In Congress, it means Republicans need to work with Democrats to develop the best possible bipartisan legislation to provide the necessary resources to reform a severely deficient system. Increased funding for technology, more immigration judges and more border patrol agents, as well as setting a cap on the number of migrants coming into the country, are essential.
The expedited redress of our broken immigration system is in our national interest. To lawmakers, I say this: The risks are too grave, and there is an obligation to act now. If there is displeasure with proposed legislation, offer alternatives, compromise where possible, and get something done.