Issues
Millions of would-be American citizens remain gridlocked in an unmanageable backlog of asylum and naturalization applications. Meanwhile, insufficient border security in recent years has allowed millions more to bypass our immigration process altogether. We have been failing to uphold our Constitutional commitment to due process, while also failing to perform the basic duties of national security. Political compromise can effectively address both of these concerns.
Secure Border
Ensuring a sealed and secure border cannot be a politicized and partisan issue. This is strictly a matter of national security that cannot be ignored from administration to administration. Unidentified people entering a nation is an issue that must not be neglected by either side of the aisle. Increasing cost-effective and practical monitoring measures, such as the use of drones and thermal imaging, should be employed in conjunction with physical barriers and Border Patrol agents to achieve this goal.
Necessity of Immigration
Immigration has long been, and remains, vital to the prosperity of our country. While a secure southern border is necessary, so is acknowledging immigration as a core American value. The United States must prioritize immigration in two key areas: manual labor and high-tech work. Utilizing a streamlined and effective immigration process, we cannot shy away from accepting vetted, hard-working immigrants who have always been a major pillar of the American economy.
Just Immigration Processes
The United States should prioritize a just, moral process, understanding that families and individuals should be treated with respect. It is vital that we use immigration policies that treat people as people, not statistics. For example, the US should bar family separation and approach immigration with compassion by designing safe and accessible processes for entering and prospering here legally.
Accessible Pathway to Citizenship
We must provide more transparent, more accessible, and more sensible pathways to citizenship. The United States could implement a points-based immigration system that evaluates applicants based on a range of qualifications and experiences aligned with national priorities. These would include aspects of their life, such as existing family within the United States, criminal background, skilled labor or education level, etc. This would streamline the process and help lighten the load on the existing backlog.
Prioritize Asylum Backlog
Funding allocation needs to ensure the USCIS has adequate resources to tackle the enormous backlog of asylum cases. Processes must be implemented to efficiently eliminate illegitimate asylum claims, ensuring that qualified cases are addressed within a reasonable timeframe. This can be achieved using the previously mentioned point-based systems, white lists, black lists, and an increased use of artificial intelligence to comb through asylum cases and address glaring red flags that do not require time-intensive individual review. These obvious red flags would include aspects like a violent criminal record, to address their case and alleviate the backlog quickly and efficiently.
Citizenship Opportunities for Undocumented Immigrants
There must be a streamlined and straightforward path to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents in the United States with a clean criminal record. After a designated timeframe of undocumented residency without any criminal offenses, your citizenship application should be given priority. Those who do not seek citizenship can then enter regulated guest worker or seasonal visa programs.
Due Process for All
Just as ensuring a secure border is non-negotiable, so is ensuring every person is entitled to due process on U.S. soil, as promised by our Constitution. Absolute disregard for due process has led to countless unlawful deportations, which have at times included American citizens. As a country, we must acknowledge the issue of border security and illegal immigration while also adhering to the guidelines of the United States Constitution.