Dear Editor,
In conversations I had with Guyanese and other immigrants in the US, there is overwhelming support for President Obama’s new immigration policy granting a reprieve from deportation for young undocumented immigrants who have not run afoul of the law and who are in school or working.
As a presidential candidate in 2008, Obama promised comprehensive immigration reform, but did not make it his priority until mid way through his term in office. After facing pressure from immigrant groups and a tough re-election campaign, Obama is acting frenetically to win over votes from immigrant communities needed to win re-election. Obama tried to get immigration reform passed but failed. He also tried to get the Dream Act passed, allowing undocumented students who finished college a chance to work and stay in the US and eventually obtain green cards and citizenship.
Failing to get immigration reform, Obama issued the executive order allowing younger immigrants to apply for a two-year renewable reprieve on deportation, providing they have no criminal record.
The order to halt deportation of productive young illegals follows a policy that saw record deportations of illegal immigrants who don’t pose a threat to the US. Thousands of such young people return to the Caribbean annually even though they have limited connection with their home countries. Obama has deported more immigrants than any other President in the history of the US. In the last three years, his administration has deported a record 1.1 million people.
Immigrant advocates and Guyanese community leaders feel Obama has done the right thing under this new initiative. This policy will benefit about one million youngsters including tens of thousands of Guyanese and other Caribbean youngsters. Many came as little kids and don’t even know anything about their countries like Guyana, and it would be a grave injustice to send those not afoul of the law back home. Not surprisingly, people I spoke with in Trinidad and Guyana over the last two weeks also support the policy.
The executive order does not provide amnesty, immunity or a path to citizenship, but simply allows them to live and work without having fears of being caught by immigration agents and deported.
The policy allows anyone under age 30 to stay and work temporarily if authorities decide they don’t pose a risk to national security or public safety. They must have come to the United States before they turned 16 and stayed continuously in the country for at least the past five years. They must also be enrolled in school, have a high school diploma or equivalent degree or be in the US military. Those in the military are known to go on to receive citizenship; honourably discharged veterans are also eligible. Applicants convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanour or multiple misdemeanors are not eligible for the reprieve and could be deported if they apply for the status.
It is the right policy for the US government. As Obama said, these young undocumented immigrants are friends with our kids. They pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.”
America is the only country these illegal youngsters know.
Almost all of them live peaceful, quiet lives and are model citizens. Many are bright students and make enormous contributions to the US in various professions particularly in science and engineering. Giving them an opportunity to live without fear will allow them to make greater contributions to the country with their talent. They will end up paying more taxes that will benefit the nation. Thus, it should be supported by all American legislators.
Undocumented people and immigrant communities are grateful for this executive order. However, the order is temporary and unlike an act of Congress, the order could be reversed by a future president.
The US Congress should consider making it law. Politicians need to take into consideration the fact that immigrants make more contributions to the nation than the benefits they received making them a net asset to the US.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
