Dear Future President,

Immigration is one of the most controversial topics in politics. I believe that in this nation of freedom that immigration should be solved in amnesty. Everyone deserves an opportunity.

In the United States, 11 million plus immigrants are in the country living in a constant state of fear. Looking for a better life but not being able to because of the fear that they will get deported. Around 1,120 deportations are made per day. When will these immigrants live the so called “American Dream”?

In the dictionary, amnesty is described as 1. noun. An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses. 2. Verb. Grant an official pardon to. Immigration and amnesty. Two words that are put together and caused immediate controversy. Meaning to be forgiven. One side agrees with amnesty and the other not so much. For example, Bob Goodlatte, JD, U.S. Representative and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee disagrees with granting amnesty. His reason being that he strongly supports immigration reforms if it focused on enforcing and upholding the rules of the law at the border. In his own words on March 1, 2016 states “I remain opposed to amnesty, as I always have been. I do not support a special pathway to citizenship that rewards those who have broken our immigration laws.” While other have a different take on it. The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) in November 21, 2007 approves of immigrants being granted amnesty. There reason being that our immigration system should start over.

The question people usually ask themselves is: How does this affect me? Why should I care? For many, this isn’t a big deal because the are already living legally. This might not affect you directly but think of the children of these immigrants. These children and hard-working parents don’t know the last time they will see each other. There are at least 5,100 children in foster care because of a parent or parents being deported or detained. If these kids don’t have any other family that is legally in the country they are sent to a foster home. It is estimated that 15,000 more children will enter foster care. Immigrants affect the country in the economy, as well. “The Economic Letter” is a 2009 study that shows that immigrants are helping the economy and are expanding job opportunities. Imagine how much job expansion there is today in 2016.

There is an immigrant by the name of Sayu Bhojwani that agrees that immigration is a big deal and doesn’t agree that immigrants are taking jobs. In her own words she has said, “We have fought to be here. We have come for economic and educational opportunity. We have come for political and religious freedom. We have come in a pursuit of love. That dedication, that commitment to America we also bring to public service.” This means that immigrants are just here for opportunities and a better life.

“And it’s a little scary. You’re scared that I’m going to take away your place at the table, and I’m scared that I’m never going to get a place at the table. And we’re all scared that we’re going to lose this country that we know and love. I’m scared you’re going to take it away from me, and you’re scared I’m going to take it away from you.” When she states this, she’s referring that illegal, legal immigrants, and legal people in general all want the same thing. The opportunity to thrive.

“..People with my immigration history could be removed at the whim of a leader. But I have fought to be in this country and I continue to do so every day. So my optimism never wavers, because I know that there are millions of immigrants just like me. In front of me, behind me and all around me. It’s our country, too.” Sayu Bhojwani isn’t wrong. Million of immigrants have come to look for opportunities and live out that so called “American Dream”.

In conclusion, I think that immigration is a good thing. It’s a good thing because people are looking for the opportunities provided that others won’t take. I suggest amnesty because like the NCLR states, our system has been “breaking down”. To fix this, grant amnesty. Grant amnesty to those who have been here a certain amount of years and haven’t cause major problems like for example, murder. These people aren’t here to cause problems. They are here for a better life. The American Life and Dream. I hope you take this in consideration because this is the answer. Amnesty is what we need. Isn’t America a country of forgiveness? The words Immigrants and Illegals aren’t labels and do not justify anything.

                                                                     We are all immigrants!!

Sincerely,

                  Linsy

Sources:

http://sandiegofreepress.org/2014/09/immigration-deportation-and-family-se

paration/

http://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001362

http://theindependentmag.org/two-perspectives-on-immigration-reform/

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/09/20/5-facts-about-illegal-immigration-in-the-u-s/

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-immigrants

https://www.ted.com/talks/sayu_bhojwani_how_immigrant_voices_make_democracy_stronger#t-304359

http://www.frbsf.org/economic-research/publications/economic-letter/2010/august/effect-immigrants-us-employment-productivity/

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=3pDgWtC4UM6Ycz3iScOPWef0ScMfsZmNPUrm0xIOiAoHOhTACqivepbsSgUSyxS-p3ohuW

Picture sources:

http://www.paimmigrant.org/events/national-day-june-28

https://divingintotruth.net/2016/07/24/about-immigration/

http://daily-work.org/do-you-think-that-immigrants-are-some-of-the-hardest-workers-in-america/