Why call undocumented people "illegal aliens"? Are they really aliens? I don't think so. For a country like America who was founded by immigrants you would think foreigners would feel welcomed, but in reality it isn't like that. While others see immigration reform as a negative approach, on the other hand immigrants see it as the realization of the American dream. What is the American dream? To me, it is the opportunity of achievement denied else where but obtainable in this great nation. America is seen as one of the greatest nations in the world of today. Not many countries give the people the opportunity to better their way of living and to most the solution is to leave everything behind and search for that happiness.
According to the Pew Research Center roughly about 11.7 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States today. This number has increased over the past two decades with a fair decline in the recession of 2007-09. Over these years there has been few attempts to solve the immigration issue. In 1986 president Regan took a huge step and "rewarded" undocumented citizens with the passing of the amnesty. This amnesty gave majority of undocumented immigrants the path to citizenship. Most of these immigrants were from Mexico, Central America, and Asia (FAIR). Most people might think of an amnesty as a straight ticket to citizenship but it is not that easy. There are many regulations and steps an undocumented immigrant has to take. Money is very much invested and only the eligible are given that opportunity. In 2009 the Dream Act failed to pass leaving many young undocumented immigrants with mixed feelings. After 2009 the bill kept being modified to pass through Congress but it was not enough. Later in 2012, president Obama passed a policy called the Deferred Action. This bill is in affect as of June 15, 2012, to now. This policy gave many, mostly students, the opportunity to receive a working permit of two years. This bill makes it possible, for the eligible, to obtain a working social security number which opens many doors. This is not a ticket to citizenship but it is most definitely a step towards it. In more recent news, there has been enforcement for an Immigration Reform to be passed but the probability of a bill being passed is very small.
The U.S government does not completely oppose the chance of an Immigration Reform but politicians have just not found a way to come to an agreement. Obama has made some arrangements for the improvement of the immigration system. The president's immigration reform plan has four parts: first the improvement in border security; next is finding employers who have hired undocumented immigrants; then create a path to citizenship; lastly construct an effective immigration system (The White House). This seems like a great plan but the problem is taking action.
Being an undocumented immigrant is not at all pleasant. I was brought over at a very young age and was integrated to American society. I was given the opportunity to obtain a working permit for two years and now currently employed. Most if not all parents want the best for their children. Wouldn't you? and in order for that happiness there are sacrifices that have to be made. I would like to make the reader understand the degree of seriousness of this issue. Immigrants do not intend on coming to the United States to "steal" the job of American citizens. The majority of immigrants come to work and give themselves if not, their family the opportunity to succeed. Isn't that the American ideal? For this an Immigration Reform would give both sides what they want. The government would gain so much from this because immigrants will invest in the economy and bring new perspectives into the picture and for the immigrant the chance to live the American Dream.
Trying to write this article was a challenge. I spend my weekend staring at a blank page trying to generate ideas but nothing came to mind. I then decided to write over an issue that affected me the most. I tried to stay away from this topic because I felt it was overused but I just couldn't. This article reflects who I am and my intend is to make the reader more aware of the issue through the eyes of an immigrant.
4 comments:
This specific topic specifically touches my heart because I know exactly how you feel. I have a lot of family friends who have come a long way from Europe to be able to live this "American Dream" everyone seems to be going after. Immigrants not only work two to three jobs, but work for less than minimum wage pay to just give their innocent children a chance at a successful, and decent future. I hope that Obama Administration can soon one day create an immigration law that allows rights to citizenship for those immigrants here that have tried for so long, instead of treating them like "aliens" in a nation supposed to be accepting of immigrants, and known for a nation that is built mainly of immigrants. I really like your post, it may seem overused, but it is who you are and you should never stop being proud of it!
I agree completely with Estefany’s article concerning “The American Dream” for many immigrants. Even though I was fortunate enough to be born in this country not every one has that luck, like my family. Even though I didn’t struggle personally, I did see some consequences the “American Dream” had. My family spent a lot of years not being able to visit their loved ones, which for them was a big burden. My dad worked two jobs earning minimum wage in order for us to live a better life than we would in Mexico. Having a better life is one of the main reasons a lot of people, not just from Mexico, decide to migrate to an unknown land hoping for the best. Just like Estefany said in her article, immigrants don’t come and “steal” the jobs away. Rather they are taking the jobs that the citizens don’t want or refuse to take, like jobs in agriculture and other hard-labor jobs. From the beginning of this country’s history, the only thing that immigrants want is a better life for themselves and their families. Hopefully one day not far from today, Congress passes an immigration law that helps many immigrants fulfill their dream
I completely agree with what you are trying to say. This specific topic hit home to me due to the fact that my parents are immigrants themselves. My parents went through all the hurdles and struggles to get naturalized in this country, regardless of how many forces where against them. The fact that undocumented people in the United states are referred to as aliens to me is taking away the fact they are not human beings. Which in my opinion is a basic right to be considered a human being rather than the word alien, which is such an ugly word to refer to a fellow human being. The People and the Congress of the united states needs to understand that all these 'Aliens' are only doing what they do to have the full 'American dream' we aren't called the 'Land of Opportunities' for no reason. Undocumented people from third world countries will never stop seeking the opportunities that are provided in the US, rather than fight the issue i believe that we should come up with a positive out come for both parties. which would save time and money for everyone. I really enjoyed your post and i completely agree with every word!
As I browsed through my peers posts and was just about ready to write my first commentary one someone else’s work I happen to find your blog and I could not help myself but to strongly relate to your opinion, beliefs, and in a small way even your life. I was also brought to this country at a very young age, and I managed to learn the language in a short period of time in order to adjust and integrate myself into the American society. I know that “Being an undocumented immigrant is not at all pleasant” there are a lot of hardships we have had to endure and in a way still do. I too was given the opportunity to obtain a two year working permit thanks to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals of June 2012. This small policy made a huge difference in my life; it allowed me to receive a social security number giving me the opportunity to work, and free my parents of my college expenses. I also agree with you and believe an immigration reform can do so much not only for immigrants but for this country as well. I understand many people believe it would be “rewarding” individuals for breaking the law but I as an immigrant myself don’t see it like that. It will be giving millions of people an opportunity to fulfill the American Dream. Don’t these set of ideals proclaim that "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth”? Or does that only apply to certain people?
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