The problem of illegal immigration has been on the U.S. social, political, and economic agenda for several decades, yet the discourse has been expanded recently as new regulations have been instated. For instance, the problem of addressing the needs of children of illegal migrants, as well as ensuring that the basic human rights of the target demographic are met, remains unresolved (Lewis, 2017). Currently, the introduction of a simplified path to citizenship seems to be the most legitimate solution to the problem of illegal immigration to the U.S. since it will help to establish communication between the parties involved and cease the exploitation of illegal migrants.
The question about the children of illegal immigrants, namely, their deportation, is significantly more complicated. On the one hand, it would be unethical to give children the same treatment as adults since the former cannot be blamed for making the decision to live in the U.S. illegally. However, since their parents are most likely to be deported as a result of the foundational violation of the U.S. laws, the problem of separating children from parents and forcing the children of illegal immigrants into American foster homes emerges. However, the refusal to separate children of illegal migrants from their parents will create an even greater host of problems when placing adults in prisons and having to locate children in the same prison facilities (Cebula, 2016). Therefore, it is critical to offer illegal migrant workers a pathway to citizenship.
The reform that will lead to the creation of citizenship opportunities for illegal migrants will have to start with the creation of agencies that will allow illegal immigrants to be registered without being held criminally responsible. In addition, the centers for providing social and financial support to the specified demographic will have to be built. Namely, the facilities in question will offer assistance with learning the language and addressing the causes of human rights violations such as economic or sexual exploitation of illegal immigrants. As a result, illegal migrants will be incentivized to address corresponding centers, which will help to spread awareness and enhance the process of managing the problem of illegal immigration. In addition, a source for communication with illegal immigrants has to be established so that they could contact appropriate services and receive the needed assistance and support. As a result, the problem of illegal migration will be resolved in the U.S.
Therefore, given the complications that the problem described above entails, it will be most reasonable to offer illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. Namely, the opportunities for immigrants that are invested in the American community and are ready to become an active part of it will have to be created. The specified opportunities may include the chances to apply for a permanent resident status after living for a specific amount of time in the state and developing the required language skills, gaining financial resources, and obtaining a place where one can reside temporarily. Thus, the issue with the management of unauthorized immigrants’ needs will be handled. Moreover, the specified demographic will no longer have to face the threat of their human rights being abused when seeking job and residence opportunities. Moreover, the problem of separating parents and children when deporting the former or, on the contrary, having to accommodate children in prisons where their parents are sent for the breach of immigration laws, will be handled.
References
Cebula, R. J. (2016). Panel data analysis of the impact of economic freedom as well as economic conditions, the quality of life, and public education spending on US undocumented immigrant settlement patterns. Quarterly Journal of Econometrics Research, 2(2), 28-41. Web.
Lewis, M. L. (2017). Rural healthcare access for Hispanics in the United States: Barriers and possible solutions. Sincronía, 1(71), pp. 297-311.