There’s been quite a bit of controversy on immigration reform over the past years. We had Eric Holder’s landmark statement on immigrant children’s right to education, words on the deportation laws that tear families apart, and dozens of unaccompanied minors coming across the U.S.-Mexico border amid massive protests in prior summers.
Fortunately, there’s also been hope on the horizon along the way when it comes to immigration reform…
President Barack Obama’s Immigration Reform Plan
While there’s no guarantee that it will work out exactly as planned, President Obama outlined his legal immigration plan and posted it on The White House’s website.
Parts of that plan make it easier for immigrants to come to the U.S. to start businesses and invest in the U.S. economy. Another part includes allowing graduates of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs to remain here with a green card and the government’s blessing, provided that they’re able to find employment.
It’s a comprehensive plan, but perhaps the most important part—one that we can all relate with—is the section that addresses keeping families together.
Obama’s proposal aims to push through red tape and temporarily increase annual visa numbers so that family-sponsored immigration will be easier. It also seeks to recognize same-sex families in the same manner as opposite-sex families are recognized, giving same-sex spouses the ability to apply for a visa on the basis of a permanent relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
“If you are a citizen, you shouldn’t have to wait years before your family is able to join you in America,” Obama said. “If you’re a foreign student who wants to pursue a career in science or technology, or a foreign entrepreneur who wants to start a business with the backing of American investors, we should help you do that here. Because if you succeed, you’ll create American businesses and American jobs. You’ll help us grow our economy. You’ll help us strengthen our middle class.”
Will it happen? With all the partisanship in politics right now, the climate might not be right—but if even a part of this comprehensive plan goes through, it would be a huge improvement over what we’re facing right now. As Milwaukee immigration lawyers, we’ve seen the rise and fall of support for various reform packages; at this point, we would be happy to see change throughout the system.
