At a stalemate and stagnant position on the immigration politics front- there has been a glimmer of hope as discussions of a new set of ‘principles’ emerged a couple of weeks ago. It is hoped that the GOP will release the principles that will reflect their thoughts on what immigration reform should entail.
We all know that a path to citizenship has been the contentious issue in this long debate for immigration reform. Last night the New York Times reported that a path to citizenship will only be given to people who were brought to the US as children, otherwise known as DREAMERs. If this is indeed true, then many millions of people will be excluded from the path to citizenship- although, they will have a path to legalization.
While there are people who do not want citizenship and just want to work legally in the US, there are those who would like to become citizenship. There should at least be the option. A reminder here that though the Senate s.744 provides a path to citizenship, it is not a hop and skip to citizenship. The path is a rocky and burdensome one that many will not be able to meet. But the option is given.
In any event, a path to legalization without citizenship will instantly create a ‘second class’ group of people. Immigration reform, if it happens this year, will not be addressed in many years to come. So, whatever is decided will be here to stay.
Having said all of that, since things are at a complete standstill, is it better to concede on a path to citizenship? Time will tell what happens- watch this space.