Bring immigrants out of the shadows

Regarding the recent [Weaverville] raid, I see that targeting honest people, affecting families and leaving the true criminals free on our streets is unacceptable, particularly in this phase of the election year. I see that politicians want to give the impression that the law is been enforced—while what they are really after are the votes of those folks who might feel more secure with the “number” of deportations.

Why haven’t policymakers done the right thing—provide a safe and legal way for people to work here for a period of months? Why not figure out a way for them to work legally and then go back to their countries, avoiding their hiding or using illegal ways to work here? Why haven’t the authorities acted against the true criminals that are smuggling and exploiting people under such costly and harsh conditions?

Sixty-five thousand visas per year is a ridiculous [number] when the labor demand is as at least 12 times higher. Our immigration system is broken, and we should fix it soon under this globalized society.

Opening a legal path for good people to participate with us [and] giving them a driver’s license would bring them out of the shadows and offer all of us a safer and stronger nation.

— Ricardo Greeley
Charlotte

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2 thoughts on “Bring immigrants out of the shadows

  1. Dionysis

    “honest people” don’t start their American experience by breaking the law.

    “Why haven’t policymakers done the right thing—provide a safe and legal way for people to work here for a period of months?”

    Such a way currently exists; gain legal status to work in this country. One is then free to go wherever they wish once the work is done, and return legally to this country when they wish.

    “Why not figure out a way for them to work legally and then go back to their countries, avoiding their hiding or using illegal ways to work here?”

    See above.

    “Why haven’t the authorities acted against the true criminals that are smuggling and exploiting people under such costly and harsh conditions?”

    You don’t think that there are on-going efforts to stop illegal smuggling? Smugglers are scum of the earth, but like many other illegalities, it’s a constant challenge to deal with, particularly with limited law enforcement resources.

    “Sixty-five thousand visas per year is a ridiculous [number] when the labor demand is as at least 12 times higher. Our immigration system is broken, and we should fix it soon under this globalized society.”

    Agreed.

    “Opening a legal path for good people to participate with us [and] giving them a driver’s license would bring them out of the shadows and offer all of us a safer and stronger nation.”

    Such a ‘legal path’ exists. Unfortunately, few seem to be willing to avail themselves of it. And once an immigrant has been granted legal rights to work here, then by all means allow them to obtain driver’s licenses. A safer nation comes, in part, by decreasing the number of illegals in the country, not by facilitating an increase.

  2. Al Cottingham

    “Immigrants” here are ILLEGALLY here. What part of ILLEGAL don’t these people get? Take them back to their home country and let them try again the LEGAL way.

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