New developments are underway in the hot-topic issue of immigration in America, but the solution may prove to be more of a problem.
While lawmakers argue over how to move forward with reform, a new idea has been proposed: regional immigration.
Essentially, individuals wishing to enter this country would apply for a “regional visa.” Under this system, supporters explain that there would be more openings and that state and local officials would be able to specify what and whom they need.
Demetrios Papademetriou, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan D.C. think tank elaborates:
“The idea is to accept that in a large country, local jurisdictions all have different needs, and they are highly specific,” said Demetrios Papademetriou, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan D.C. think tank. That being the case, he explained, the federal government ought to “find a way for these jurisdictions…to do [some of] their own recruitment.”
Whether this idea is executed, discussion around current immigration policy continues, especially as former President George W. Bush offers his opinion.
Bush attended a naturalization ceremony in Dallas on Wednesday and said about the newly sworn-in citizens, “It’s an honor to call you fellow Americans.”
He also expressed his opinion on current immigration procedures to the crowd, “the laws governing the immigration system aren’t working. The system is broken.”
Finally, in good news, after the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was lifted last week, bi-national gay couples were awarded equal rights under immigration law. Immigration attorney Thomas Plummer expresses his excitement:
“These families are now going to be treated equally under U.S. immigration law, which means that families here in the United States can begin planning their lives together. Couples in exile can plan their return, and families that are apart can reunite in the United States.”
Guess we have to take some of the bad with the good. Let’s just hope our country stays on the right side of history.
SOURCES: CNN/Voice of America/Boston Globe
