The issue of U.S. immigration policy has continued to be a divisive one in Miami. While current immigrants, those waiting to be allowed legal entry, advocacy, and the lawmakers themselves all seem to agree that immigration law is in need of sweeping reforms, the trick is getting those on all sides of the debate to agree on an acceptable solution on the state of immigrants currently in the United States.
Immigration reform was one of the issues that helped President Obama carry the minority vote in the last federal election. Since then, immigration legislation outlining new visa enforcement programs as well as providing extra federal funding for border security has passed through the Senate but stalled in Congress, as both sides of the aisle debate over the path to naturalization for illegal immigrants. That stalemate doesn’t appear to have a quick end in sight as the most-recently convened congressional session has been more focused on addressing budgeting issues.
Immigration reform advocates are now looking to take their concerns back to Obama administration to pressure them into forcing action on the bill in order to push the proposed legislation through. This urgency is not doubt driven by the fact this administration continues to deport large numbers of illegals back to their countries of origin. Despite some extracurricular efforts by the administration to delay deportations, they have remained firm in their stance that they plan to leave it legislators to compromise on the immigration bill’s issues.
As the debate over U.S. Immigration law continues, those that stand to be affected by new policies should stay informed of what they could potentially be facing. Seeking advice from an experienced immigration lawyer may be the best way to keep up on these issues.
Source: Miami Herald “Advocates turn to Obama for action on immigration” Alicia Caldwell and Erica Werner, Sep. 09, 2013