DISCLAIMER: My own personal views DO NOT reflect the views of Congressman John Barrow nor the views of any of his staff. These are my personal opinions that I would like to share with y'all. Additionally, if you are to leave any comments, please make them respectful or else I will delete them. Successful debates consist of respectful disagreement--key word being respectful. Thank you.
First, we are going to discuss a topic that's been pretty controversial the past several years. Yes, that would be immigration. Now, for those of you who maybe haven't been paying close attention to recent congressional activity, the Senate is currently working on a comprehensive immigration bill that would put the 11 million undocumented individuals currently living in the U.S on a pathway to citizenship. The bipartisan measure was drafted and negotiated by Senators on both sides of the aisle, collectively known as the Gang of Eight. Recently, the Senate has added amendments to the bill that would significantly enhance border security and improve technology along the border. While the bill is projected to pass the Senate (because the Democrats hold the majority), Senate leaders and the Gang of Eight are aiming for 70 votes so that they can increase the pressure on the House of Representatives to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
Meanwhile, the Republican-led House is also working on immigration legislation of its own. But rather than working toward passing comprehensive legislation like the Senate, the House has decided to take a piecemeal approach (meaning that they are considering individual bills instead of a large, collective one). So far, immigration bills in the House have been much more strict in that they do not grant amnesty to the 11 million undocumented individuals present in the U.S. and there is a much stronger emphasis on border security. In my last few posts, I talked about my experience attending the House Judiciary Committee hearings on the S.A.F.E ACT. This bill would give state and local governments the authority to detain individuals alleged to be here unlawfully thus making it a crime to be in the U.S. illegally.
MY OPINION
It goes without question that are current immigration system is flawed and broken. On the one hand, our borders are simply not strong enough and too many individuals are entering our country unlawfully everyday. Yet on the other hand, approximately 11 million individuals are forced to lived in the shadows each and every day within the borders of the greatest country in the world. Most of the 11 million are hardworking, honest individuals who are just trying to make a better living for themselves and for their families.
Too often, this immigration debate pits amnesty vs. border control enforcement. It's almost as if we can only have one. NEWSFLASH: We can do both and more importantly, we MUST do both. First and foremost, our borders must be properly secured. We must invest more into improving technology around the border and making sure that everyone who wishes to come to our country enters the proper way. This is essential, and this is one of the key reasons why so many Republicans did not support the comprehensive immigration bill in the Senate. Quite frankly, I believe that enforcement across the border should be our first priority. If need be, we should create triggers and standards for the Department of Homeland Security to meet before we discuss anything else. I believe this type of enforcement will only generate more support from key House members.
But then, what are we to do with the 11 million undocumented individuals currently within the United States. These individuals have lived in the shadows long enough; it is time to let them live freely and set them on a path to U.S. citizenship. Yes, I am saying that we must grant amnesty to these people. Why? For moral reasons, these individuals have built their lives and started their families here in the United States. Could we honestly just ask them to pack their bags and leave after they have walked amongst us for so many years? And additionally, for economic reasons, these individuals have contributed to our economy by providing us with services that otherwise would not be available. Too often, people argue that undocumented individuals are taking away American jobs. Yet most of the jobs undocumented individuals have are extremely low-paying and unattractive jobs that most Americans do not want. Let these people live their lives without fear. Let these people realize the dream they have always wanted.
Amnesty or enforcement? Well, why not both? In order for comprehensive immigration to pass, both tougher border enforcement as well as amnesty for those already in the U.S. will both need to be present in the final bill. The President himself has made it clear that he will not support any type of immigration reform unless it includes some type of amnesty. Similarly, the House will not pass any type of immigration reform bill unless it includes tougher border security measures. So, let's compromise and give them both what they want! And what the people of the United States--both citizens and undocumented individuals--deserve. That is why I support the current immigration bill in the Senate, and I sincerely hope that the House can pass a similar version.
If y'all want any more information on the immigration debate, I suggest going to http://thehill.com/immigration-debate-latest-news for the latest updates. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or just comment below.
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