I agree with many, that the current system is broken. I frequently take calls for many times from people who want to come to the U.S. legally, but there is no way for them to do so. Additionally, I have received calls from potential employers who want to put people to work in jobs, but there are no visas currently available for the employment classification.
The most heartbreaking stories are those of undocumented people who are here in the United States and they have children who are citizens. Are they to leave the U.S. and potentially be told they can not return for five, ten or maybe never? The parents may have been working and financially supporting the child or children with the wages they earn here in the United States. If they leave to return to their home country, there may be not enough wages to send back to the child in the U.S. Instead, should they leave with their child and most surely reduce the child's potential opportunities in life to keep the family together outside the U.S.?
There are no easy answers. However, I hope the House, the Senate and President Obama are brave enough to tackle this politically unpopular issue NOW.
In any case, see the link here for
Business Week's take on the potential for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009.
A Makeover for Immigration Policy?.