We hear endless bloviation from politicians and media heads about the injustices plaguing American life. However, there are few modern day injustices greater than those done to immigrants wishing to become productive members of the freest and most prosperous society in human history. And while every citizen has, in theory, the power of the vote to redress grievances, immigrants are largely voiceless. Their experiences are often trotted out only for political gain and only when convenient. In reality, the system that immigrants are forced to fight through every day is gravely broken. The sentimental image of immigrants passing through the queues at Ellis island into a life of prosperity has been replaced by a faceless bureaucracy that ties up human lives in endless red tape, delays, and grueling uncertainty. Anyone familiar with the system knows that change is long overdue. Yet, it remains a political hot potato — a pawn slid back and forth by either political party. This is and will forever be a stain on this era of American history.
The fact is that many American voters are profoundly ignorant of the American immigration system. This is through no fault of their own. Many think it is still as simple as showing up at the U.S. border and getting in line. Few are aware of the costly applications, ersatz visas, and years upon years of waiting only to be told “NO.” with no chance for appeal. For some wealthy and educated immigrants, this system is a nuisance but one that can be overcome with patience and time. However, for those lacking means, the system is practically impenetrable. It is hard enough for average, educated Americans to file their own taxes or to fill out the forms required to start a business. How can disadvantaged immigrants be expected to wrangle through a process few American citizens would be able to pass through without error?
The disgusting situations we see on the news where families are locked in unclean cages in detention camps near the U.S. Southern Border do not happen in a vacuum. Something causes it. And while this is a visceral image of the inhumanity of the system, the everyday fear and uncertainty experienced even by legal immigrants is rarely shown on the front pages of our media outlets or discussed on our favorite podcasts. As you are reading these words, some immigrant somewhere in the country is undoubtedly reading a letter from the Federal Government telling them that their visa application has been denied and that they have 30 days to return to their country of origin. For you, life goes on. For them, whatever they worked to establish here in this country has just been jettisoned by a faceless authority. Families, communities, businesses, etc., are all torn apart in an instant often with little redress.
While it would be profoundly ignorant to assert that all restrictions on immigration should be removed, there is no excuse whatsoever for maintaining this inhumane Goliath. Reasonable immigration reform must be sought. Of course, determining what is “reasonable” requires a difficult debate. But, just because the debate is difficult does not mean it should be avoided at the expense of millions of individual lives. Of course it needs to be done in a way that limits abuse of America’s welfare programs. Of course it must allow for sufficient integration into American culture. Of course criminals should be kept out. And of course, those wishing to be productive and proud Americans should be allowed to do so without fear or intimidation. The details regarding how this should be done are up for debate.
This inhumane system has been perpetuated for far too long and for the most shameful of reasons. Any person, regardless of skin color, religion, national origin, etc., who wishes to be a full-fledged participant in the American story deserves the chance to do so. Any person willing to leave their home behind to build something here and wave our flag should be supported by our Federal Government, not discouraged and made fearful. Enough with the tiresome banter. Enough with these silly political sideshows. It is time that America right one of its profoundest wrongs. It is time that we live up to the ideals of our founding. It is time we move once again towards liberty and justice for all.
