A recently approved bill aimed at granting many undocumented residents citizenship and easy access to work visas while also heightening border security is a positive step in immigration reform.
The Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act was approved by a majority of the Senate in late June. Not only will 11 million people be granted U.S. citizenship with the approval of the bill, but security will also be greatly increased around the Mexican border. This reform will not only reunite thousands of families, but will also bring America back to its constitutional roots by granting freedom to those who reside here. As a Hispanic-serving institution within a state with a large population of Latinos, Texas State may be particularly affected by the approval of this bill. Texas State students in particular should take notice of the changes this legislation will affect.
This reform will give citizenship to those who qualify under federal regulations. Many are skeptical about the bill considering that in addition to giving millions of undocumented citizens legal rights, border security must also be increased. However, having the best technology and security surveillance to protect all U.S. borders should be a priority.
According to www.govtrack.us, a method known as the Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy will be put in place in order to secure entry points along the southern border with Mexico. This strategy will not only heighten border security, but will also increase the number of full-time active duty U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed on the southern border. These provisions, while they may seem superfluous to some, are necessary in order to prevent undocumented border crossings and therefore encourage immigration through the legal channels provided for in the bill.
Those planning on pursuing citizenship should be well aware of the strict regulations and cons attached to the bill before starting the citizenship and visa processes. For example, once someone receives the proper documentation they can begin to work legally. Employers, however, must now be even more positive that their employees are legalized to work under state regulations and are citizens before hiring. According to a July 3 Reuters article, the bill will increase the number of work visas available and will require American companies to use a government program in order to verify the legal status of employees.
This bipartisan move was positive for Republicans interested in winning additional Hispanic votes, while still looking for additional border security. Although the bill inflicts some regulations many may find unsavory, the fact that it will enfranchise so many Hispanic immigrants by providing them with citizenship opportunities is a positive step. Latino voters continue to make a growing impact as the community expands, and the U.S. will likely see further positive immigration reform in the future. The approval of this bill was a win, not only for Hispanic voters or those interested in immigration reform but for all Americans.
-Robert Nunez is a mass communication senior.
