Political viewpoint set aside, there is no argument that the thread of immigration law is tightly woven into this year’s midterm elections. With so much media coverage (and so much of it varying from extreme bias on both the left and right sides), it can be hard to understand the various immigration policies being proposed, and how immigration law might be impacted.
As an experienced immigration attorney, I’d like to explain—without bias—the various immigration reform policies that are at stake during this year’s midterm elections. There is no way for me to divulge the nuances of each policy—rather, I hope to offer a broad brushstroke of the questions being asked by both sides of our government, so that you understand what you are voting for or against.
1. U.S. Citizenship by Birthright. Regardless of the immigration status of the parents, should a child born in the United States be deemed a legal U.S. citizen or not?
2. Caravan of Asylum Seekers. “Caravans” of Central Americans are fleeing the violence of their countries, seeking asylum in the United States. Do these caravans pose a threat to our country?
3. Separation of parents and children. If a family is caught immigrating illegally to the United States, should the family remain together in detention, or should the children be provided with government or foster care while the parents are detained?
4. Tent cities. Should asylum claimants be housed in “tent cities” at the border, or should they be granted passage into the United States while they await their asylum hearing?
5. Dreamers. Should immigrant children be deported after DACA status expiration or without proper Congressional action, or provided with a clear path to become a United States citizen?
6. Border wall. Should the United States attempt to physically block illegal immigration through the use of a literal wall, or can illegal immigration be effectively addressed through policy and technology?
7. Travel ban. Should people from specific countries—including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Venezuela—be inhibited from traveling to the United States?
8. Temporary Protective Status. Should Temporary Protective Status be cancelled for those immigrants whose countries of citizenship have been deemed safe again?
9. Sanctuary cities. Should the United States government reduce or eliminate funding to cities providing refuge to illegal immigrants?
The bottom line is that both sides of our country’s political spectrum recognize the need for immigration reform. It’s a hot button issue that, unfortunately, is incredibly hard to discuss without bias. It’s also an issue with so many grey areas, but that is being discussed in such black and white terms. Whatever your beliefs, go out and vote. The right to vote is a right that so many immigrants fight to earn in this country—don’t take it for granted!
If you are an immigrant—regardless of where you are in your immigration process—the outcome of tomorrow’s elections may impact your status. I would be honored to help you navigate the complexities of our country’s ever-changing immigration laws, and fight to earn you a favorable outcome…whatever “favorable” means to you.
Ask the Immigration Attorney
I am proud to be known as one of Ohio’s most compassionate immigration attorneys. If you have a question about immigration reform, or about immigration in general, just ask! I’ll answer your question Friday on my Facebook page—completely free!