Undocumented immigrants

Migration

Name

Institution

Migration

Undocumented immigrants refer to individuals who have moved to other countries without authorization. They do not have legal documentation to move and live in those countries. Most of undocumented immigrants have moved to countries that seem more promising in economic status and offer ‘better’ life for them and their families. Rigid immigration laws and lack of funds to fulfill all the requirements are some of the factors that push people to migrate illegally. In the United States, there has been a debate on the legalization of undocumented immigrants, especially those who have lived in the country for a long time. There are calls to allow them to legalize their status thereby allowing them access the benefits available to the citizens and permanent residents. This includes minimum pay in jobs and better access to facilities.

In the CNN article, ‘Now’s the time’ to move on immigration, Obama says,’ addresses the issue of overhauling the U.S immigration laws to replace the previous ones. The article discusses the introduction of a framework for overhauling the immigration system that would provide an eventual path to nationality for a majority of the over 11 million undocumented immigrants who are currently settled in America (Cohen, Lothian & Yellin, 2013). This provides undocumented immigrants who are already within the country with an opportunity to become legal citizens. Obama stated that, in order for the undocumented immigrants to earn citizenship, the must first pass a background check, pay a penalty, learn English and get to the back of the line or behind the list of the immigrants who are attempting to get to America legally (Cohen, Lothian & Yellin, 2013). However, the move has been opposed by various factions, especially the conservatives, within the government hence may not be implemented in a timely manner. There are issues that call for better enforcement of the current immigration laws instead of introducing new ones. The insight provides legal issues that surround the undocumented immigrants and the ways in which the government is trying to help them acquire legal status. The government is trying to provide a way for hard working undocumented immigrants to progress to citizenship (Cohen, Lothian & Yellin, 2013). Dealing with the issue of immigration will contribute to economic growth of the country as they pay taxes and other rates that permanent residents and citizens are obligated to pay.

The perspective of the CNN article is on the different opinions concerning the introduction of a new framework to provide pathways to citizenship for the undocumented immigrants. Those who are for the new laws would like the illegal immigrants to be able to get citizenship through following the steps set by the government while those in the opposite side are against the provision of ‘amnesty’ for the undocumented immigrants. The text, on the other hand, explores the reasons why individuals migrate to the United States without proper documents and the kinds of jobs they are employed in once they get into the country. It shows that they face challenges as they can only get jobs that other people, who are legally there, do not want. The two articles have a similar view that Americans are generally confused on whether illegal immigrants hurt or help their economy and hence are not able to fully support laws enabling them legalize their status. This topic is interesting because it has been the subject of recent debates and the new laws have yet to be passed. It provides insight on the issues and challenges that are facing the undocumented immigrants as well as the reasons why the new framework is facing opposition. Once the new laws are passed, they will provide an opportunity for the undocumented immigrants to legalize their status and acquire provisional legal status as they do this (Cohen, Lothian & Yellin, 2013).

References

Cohen, T., Lothian, D. & Yellin, J. (2013), Now’s the Time’ to Move on Immigration, Obama says. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/29/politics/immigration-reform