An entitlement
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word entitlement as the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something, a special privilege. Although some Republican politicians have described immigration reform as an entitlement, undocumented immigrants describe immigration reform as a necessity. Imagine leaving your country, running from a death threat, running from poverty and feeling a need to offer your family an opportunity of life that you never dreamed of, at least that’s what you’ve been told. There are infinite stories about traveling north and finding a job that could pay for dinner and your child’s education.
There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States and waiting for Immigration Reform. Although this has been a hot topic on National and Local news nothing has been done to decide the fate of the 11 million undocumented immigrants. The most important feature of a comprehensive immigration bill would be that it covers the immigrants who are already here. Another key feature for any bill that will address the realities of our immigration situation would be the increase of border security. And last, it’s important to take into consideration the benefits immigrants bring to better our growing economy. Bill S.744 also known as, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Bill,” is the light of immigration reform.
What does S.744 actually entail? There are many important factors included in this bill, which hasn’t been considered to be passed into law. One of the benefits would be for immigrants that are already here, the legalization of more than 11 million undocumented immigrants. Although some Republicans call this part of the bill an “entitlement” or “reward” for those that qualify, it’s not that easy. A person wanting to change their status in the United States will have to submit an application, the price of the application isn’t known yet, but these applications cost more than $300. A penalty of $2000 per person will be automatically applied. Back taxes will need to be paid, even if the person has already been paying taxes with a tax identification number they will have to pay again, making them pay twice. Needless to say a background check will be done and a person with any criminal record will automatically loose the opportunity of filing for any status changes. Citizenship is another issue; the only thing offered for starters will be a permit which would allow an undocumented worker to work, legally. But only 13 years later will they be allowed the possibility of applying for citizenship. Keep in mind that most of these people have been in the United States for decades, they already consider themselves a United States Citizen.
Second, border security; this has been a big issue for many Republicans. They demand more border security in order to pass a bill that would legalize most of the 11 million undocumented immigrants. The Immigration and Policy website states that, S.744 includes $46 million to be set aside in order to strengthen border security between the US – Mexico border. The money would go towards high-tech security and adding more than 20,000 more border patrol. These measures would take place immediately. Govtrack.us states that the bill requests equipment such as unattended ground sensors and infrared.
Last, the bill includes two new categories of visas for entrepreneurs. Many big companies are in favor of these visas because it would motivate high tech entrepreneurs to stay in the country instead of kicking them out after they’re short term visa has expired. If entrepreneurs are allowed to stay this would open new job opportunities and add to our economy.
There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States and waiting for Immigration Reform. Although this has been a hot topic on National and Local news nothing has been done to decide the fate of the 11 million undocumented immigrants. The most important feature of a comprehensive immigration bill would be that it covers the immigrants who are already here. Another key feature for any bill that will address the realities of our immigration situation would be the increase of border security. And last, it’s important to take into consideration the benefits immigrants bring to better our growing economy. Bill S.744 also known as, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Bill,” is the light of immigration reform.
What does S.744 actually entail? There are many important factors included in this bill, which hasn’t been considered to be passed into law. One of the benefits would be for immigrants that are already here, the legalization of more than 11 million undocumented immigrants. Although some Republicans call this part of the bill an “entitlement” or “reward” for those that qualify, it’s not that easy. A person wanting to change their status in the United States will have to submit an application, the price of the application isn’t known yet, but these applications cost more than $300. A penalty of $2000 per person will be automatically applied. Back taxes will need to be paid, even if the person has already been paying taxes with a tax identification number they will have to pay again, making them pay twice. Needless to say a background check will be done and a person with any criminal record will automatically loose the opportunity of filing for any status changes. Citizenship is another issue; the only thing offered for starters will be a permit which would allow an undocumented worker to work, legally. But only 13 years later will they be allowed the possibility of applying for citizenship. Keep in mind that most of these people have been in the United States for decades, they already consider themselves a United States Citizen.
Second, border security; this has been a big issue for many Republicans. They demand more border security in order to pass a bill that would legalize most of the 11 million undocumented immigrants. The Immigration and Policy website states that, S.744 includes $46 million to be set aside in order to strengthen border security between the US – Mexico border. The money would go towards high-tech security and adding more than 20,000 more border patrol. These measures would take place immediately. Govtrack.us states that the bill requests equipment such as unattended ground sensors and infrared.
Last, the bill includes two new categories of visas for entrepreneurs. Many big companies are in favor of these visas because it would motivate high tech entrepreneurs to stay in the country instead of kicking them out after they’re short term visa has expired. If entrepreneurs are allowed to stay this would open new job opportunities and add to our economy.
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The economy won’t be affected; it’s believed that if millions of undocumented immigrants are granted a permission to work it will benefit the economy. Govtrack.us states that to start this process money will be borrowed from the Treasury but it has to be repaid from the monies collected from any application fee and penalties collected. Many employers that are currently exploiting and paying people under the table will be forced to pay taxes and pay these people, causing a domino effect. Employers pay taxes, pay their employees and the employees pay taxes as well.
This bill passed the Senate back on June 27th, now it waits for the House of Representatives to consider it. What happens next? No one really knows, but for those that are waiting for immigration reform the wait is unbearable.
This bill passed the Senate back on June 27th, now it waits for the House of Representatives to consider it. What happens next? No one really knows, but for those that are waiting for immigration reform the wait is unbearable.