It has become clear that the United States’ immigration policy is busted. My thoughts below.
There are two bedrock principles that absolutely need to be made clear. These beliefs are a priori to the conversation of immigration in general and the immigrant in specific.
I – Laws
America is a nation founded on laws. These laws need to be enforced. When the law has served its purpose and no longer is applicable – that law needs to be changed.
II – We Are a Nation of Immigrants
America is Exceptional. Not only are we a nation that tolerates immigrants we are a nation that cherishes immigrants.
With that said it is critical that we acknowledge the need for national borders and rules for passage across them. Here are my reasons why an individual could cross into America:
- Citizenship – If an individual wishes to become a citizen of The United States of America she should be allowed to enter and begin that process.
- Resident – If an individual wishes to live and work in America but not become a citizen he should be allowed to enter and live his life.
- Foreign Worker – If an individual wishes to live in her home nation but work in America she should be allowed to enter and work.
- Student – If an individual wishes to attend an institution of higher learning he should be allowed to enter and go to school.
- Refuge – If an individual wishes to seek safe haven until she can return to her native country she should be allowed to enter.
In each of the above examples, the initial process should be extraordinarily clear, straightforward and easy. Basically consisting of validation that the individual is not:
- Wanted for a crime in his home country
- On a Terror Watch list
- Carrying an infectious disease
Satisfy that and come on in!
Pretty straight forward, common sensical…
Pretty straight forward, common sensical…
As always, the devil’s in the details.
More to come.