Since the race for the 2016 Presidential Campaign has been at the forefront of the news, so too has the topic of immigration. The views on immigration have become a hot topic that is highly contested with strong advocates on both sides of the fence.
Traditionally, the Republican Party is known for its anti-immigration sentiments, while the Democrats are generally supportive. However, recently in California, Republicans have softened their stance on immigration in an effort to appeal to voters in the state.
A change in the language surrounding the controversial topic acknowledged that Republicans have differing views on how to handle the millions of undocumented individuals living in the state that are good and productive citizens. The change does not take away the party’s opposition to a legal amnesty for these individuals, but it does highlight a shift in how the topic is being addressed.
The former statement that the party proposed “Allowing illegal immigrants to remain in California undermines respect for the law” is no longer being touted as part of the political platform. The elimination of the statement is telling in many ways and is a step towards a more tolerant Republican ideology, at least in the state of California.
In order to help a small percentage of the millions of undocumented individuals in the country President Obama has attempted to institute a program called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). However, despite all efforts the program has been blocked and sits in legal limbo awaiting review by the U.S. Supreme Court. An earlier and similar program that the President put forth is called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, (DACA). This program has been successful implemented and currently provides certain undocumented young people (under 30 years old) with a semi-lawful status, which includes work authorization and the ability to obtain a state driver’s license. DACA in no way constitutes an amnesty, as many immigrant opponents suggest.
Another myth that anti-immigrant groups purport is that having a child in the United States, the concept of an “anchor” baby, accords the parents lawful status in the United States. Nothing could be further from the truth. A child born in the United States is a citizen by operation of law and the U.S. Constitution. A parent of that child derives no benefit from that child unless that child reaches the age of 21 and then petitions for that parent.
Republican Presidential hopeful, Donald Trump has taken an aggressive and outspoken point of view against immigration. He has infuriated many by name calling and disparaging Mexican immigrants by stating that those crossing the border are criminals and rapists.
A recent poll has shown that more than half of undocumented immigrants present in the United States are Mexican. It also indicated that this percentage has seen a decline. An interesting fact showed that more than sixty percent of all immigrants present in the country without status live in only six states. These include California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas and Illinois, with a continued increase concentration in Florida and New Jersey. Idaho, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Virginia are also seeing an increased in the number of undocumented individuals who have made these states their home.
