The Democrats and Republicans have held their conventions where they nominated their presidential candidates and released their respective party’s platform – representing who they are, what they stand for, their vision and proposals for various aspects of American life, their positions on various subjects, and the types of laws they would pass, if elected.
As an immigration attorney, the respective parties’ positions on immigration are very important to me. If you are a US citizen, and have friends or relatives who may be in need of immigration benefits, then it may also be important to you as to how the parties stand on immigration issues. After all, as a citizen, you can vote, and let your voice be heard.
Below are some portions of the parties’ platforms concerning their attitude and position about immigration:
Republicans
The Republicans strongly endorse and favor legal immigration. They acknowledge that, “legal immigrants are making vital contributions in every aspect of our national life.”
The Republicans are also very strongly against illegal immigrants. As stated in their platform, “That is why we oppose any form of amnesty for those who, by intentionally violating the law, disadvantage those who have obeyed it. Granting amnesty only rewards and encourages more lawbreaking.”
“We demand tough penalties for those who practice identity theft, deal in fraudulent documents. . .”, which means that Republicans may be very tough and strict against people who used “assumed names.”
“It is absolutely essential that we protect [American workers] from illegal labor in the workplace.”
The Republicans are highly critical of Obama’s approach to immigration, noting that it has “undermined the rule of law at every turn… It has created a backdoor amnesty program unrecognized in law, granting worker authorization to illegal aliens, and shown little regard for the life- and- death situations facing the men and women of the border patrol.
“We will create humane procedures to encourage illegal aliens to return home voluntarily, while enforcing the law against those who overstay their visas.” In other words, the Republicans want to encourage TNT’s to buy a plane ticket and fly back to their home country, or they will seek to deport those who remain.
The Republicans favor states’ efforts at passing harsh immigration laws against illegals: “State efforts to reduce illegal immigration must be encouraged, not attacked. The pending Department of Justice lawsuits against Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, and Utah must be dismissed immediately.”
Democrats
Unlike the Republicans, the Democrats appear to favor comprehensive immigration reform: “Democrats are strongly committed to enacting comprehensive immigration reform that supports our economic goals and reflects our values as both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.”
“Our immigration system is badly broken – separating families, undermining honest employers and workers, burdening law enforcement, and leaving millions of people working and living in the shadows.”
“The country urgently needs comprehensive immigration reform that brings undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and requires them to get right with the law, learn English, and pay taxes in order to get on a path to earned citizenship.”
“Republicans have blocked immigration reform in Congress and use the issue as a political wedge.”
“The Department of Homeland Security is prioritizing the deportation of criminals who endanger our communities over the deportation of immigrants who do not pose a threat, such as children who came here through no fault of their own and are pursuing an education.” (This may be a reference to the DACA policy recently announced by the Obama administration.)
“Democrats fought for the DREAM Act, legislation ensuring that young people who want to contribute fully to our society and serve our country are able to become legal residents and ultimately citizens.… Republicans decided to play politics with it rather than doing the right thing.”
As you can see, the parties have different views on immigration. The Republicans seem to favor enforcement, while the Democrats are in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. Both parties have signified good intentions, but the proposed approaches are noticeably different. As to which one is better for our nation depends on what your position is and which party best reflects your position and vision – unqualified enforcement or far-reaching reform. But no matter what, make your voice heard. If you are a US citizen, and haven’t registered to vote, do so immediately, and when it is election time, make sure you vote. Bear in mind that your vote counts in determining which direction the government will take on immigration issues and benefits.
* * *
Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.
WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com
Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US:
(866)-GURFINKEL
Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
