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A long-time area resident asked a question about immigrants who fear deportation. He wondered, when some people have been living and working here for many years, why they havent become citizens.

I am glad he asked that question. Because it has been on the minds of many Americans, its a good question. It has a good answer: Many cant.

There are very few routes to legal immigration. In some cases U.S. citizens can sponsor members of their immediate family to become legal permanent residents and then citizens. (This is not absolute -- the citizen must show a certain level of income and the citizens spouse, parent, son or daughter has to pass a background check to be admitted.) Under a few limited circumstances, an employer may sponsor an immigrant employee. (Again, the immigrants background is scrutinized.) Some victims of horrendous persecution from dangerous parts of the world -- a fraction of the total number of these victims -- have been able, after long waits and intensive investigation -- to enter as refugees.

If someone doesnt fit the short list of immigration categories, there is no way for them to come in as legal immigrants. Many of us are descended from people who left difficult situations, endured hardship to get here, got in line to come in, worked hard and eventually became citizens. Many people today are in equally (or more) difficult places, are willing to endure hardship and to work steadily and contribute to the community, but today there is no line. Most people who want to come to the U.S. to live, even if their familys lives are at risk (from war, crime, or famine) have no legitimate route to do so.

If someone is already here, no matter how long, if they have worked and paid taxes and followed the law, for almost everyone there isnt a line they can get into to legalize their status.

Some ask, didnt they come illegally? True, some did (some risking their lives to seek a better future for their families). Most of the so-called illegal immigrants in the U.S. today entered legally, with appropriate documents, but stayed, for one reason or another, after the documents lapsed. As we know, some were brought here as children; some know no other home.

Throughout its history our country has reaped enormous benefits from people who have come here from all parts of the world. Todays immigrants are an important part of our community.

Most people think there should be a line to get legal status, with criteria that allow law-abiding immigrants to stay. Thats what a path to citizenship is, like the path that was there for my great-grandparents.

As Rep. Walz said, a fair and effective policy could be passed and implemented very quickly if the political will were there. Its in all of our interests to allow our newest neighbors to come out of the shadows, to use his phrase, and become fully-recognized Americans.

See original here:
Letter: Immigration reform could, and should, be passed quickly - Daily Globe