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By Irwin Claire |
New York, Janaury 11, 2004: President George Bush's attempt at reforming the out of touch and bloating bureaucracy that administers immigration benefits has in deed re-ignited the debate on the crisis that exists today regarding the undocumented population. In an environment whereby fighting terrorism and securing the borders of the United States dominates our daily lives, one need not look too far to find such implications imbedded in the President's proposal. Let's not forget that this is the President's wish list to Congress in an election year!
Kudos should be given to him for making immigration his first ball of the over, and for irking not only his opponents, but also his conservative political base. Ironically the big winners are big business - where most of his campaign funds originates - and President Vincent Fox of Mexico. By supposedly pandering to the Hispanic, he hopes to secure their votes, however, his immigration reform proposals falls way short of providing meaning full change in delivering immigration benefits and a legalization opportunity.
Note, however that there are two areas of the proposal that if passed can be beneficial for Caribbean nationals as well as others. Today's climate and mood in the country is not conducive to an-across the board amnesty. As such any opportunity granting benefits is welcomed. Granting temporary work visas to work for up to three years with possible renewals with the right to travel out of the country can prove beneficial to many. Caribbean people in general want just an opportunity to get started - a foot in the door. We have never looked down on any form of work in this country. In fact, many of us have derived our education and material trappings through this avenue.
So if we have three to six years to live and work legally in the United States, I am confident that within that time we will find ways to legalize our status. The other benefit from this proposal for us as community has to do with increasing the yearly pool of available greens cards. This will help to clear up the backlog in immigration there by making many who are considered undocumented permanent residents. The same would go for several thousands waiting for labor board certification.
It is a fact that the President's reform plans falls way short of our expectations and congress must now act on his request. As a community we must immediately begin our advocacy. We must cut out the rhetoric and docile anemic attitudes of non-involvement and invest in a progressive lobbying endeavor. It was not by accident that Hispanic was the buzz group of immigrants over-mentioned in the President's proposals. They have worked hard and continued to so in fighting for fair immigration policies. Yes there is a glimmer of opportunity in the President's proposal, and yes elections are in November. It is now time for action in our community!