Immigration again?

I read a recent article in the Austin American Statesman covering the current political discussion surrounding immigration. The Editorial Board writes about what seems to be an endless debate, immigration reform.  The authors make an effort to convince Austinites that moving forward with immigration reform and working together across party lines to reform immigration practices, we will benefit our society and economy. The authors point out that not only is it taking the government too long to come to a decision about immigration laws, but the theory that an enforcement heavy approach will help, has been proven wrong in multiple cases. They cite Georgia and Arizona as examples illustrating that purely cracking down on laws is not effective and may actually hurt our society as a consequence. Arizona is hurting in more ways than one, according to Forbes magazine; the economy is falling fast, the job market is in question, and housing is still an issue. Not only is Georgia suffering economically, other factors are attributed to its downfall. For example, many undocumented citizens are being forced into hiding for fear of deportation. According to Times Free Pressundocumented citizens are forced to pack up and leave.  America was built by immigration and we should not become a place as fearful and unwelcome as the ones where the immigrants come from. How can we make immigration work for America while still being able to help those seeking asylum, or escaping a heavily corrupt county. If we as a country follow in Arizona and Georgia's footsteps we will end up suffering as well. The authors illustrate that we are living in a fantasy land if we think that shutting off all borders from all sides is going to help our country.  If our government would stop worrying about the microscopic details and start acting, our country may begin to flourish again.

Read Me: Immigration Reform

All the recent talk about gun control has stolen the thunder; from something I think really effects us here in Texas, illegal immigration. According to the Texas Tribune, more than one million undocumented citizens or illegal-immigrants live in Texas, second to only California.  Chances are every student in this class has known or met at least one undocumented person, here in Austin. The United States is greatly affected by this issue, especially the Border States, yet the subject hardly comes up, unless it is election time. Recently Obama spoke on an Immigration Reform and according to CNN the President is trying to push the reform along. Both the House legislatures and the Senate are now moving forward to come up with a solution for not only the undocumented citizens already in the United States but also for the Border control. The article illustrates why this issue is taking so long to get pushed through, by showing both the liberal and conservative views on the subject.  So I urge you to get informed on the subject and read the things our Government may push forward, as they may affect you or someone you know.