The Obama administration's dual approach to U.S. immigration policy

U.S. immigration: Foreign policy

A statement of current policy

The United States policy on immigration has become an issue of considerable controversy in recent years. On one hand, due to fears about terrorism, the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies have become increasingly vigilant in their attitudes towards illegal immigration, given the real and perceived risks to U.S. security. On the other hand, there has been mounting pressure to acknowledge the contribution that immigrants have made to the U.S., both in the form of low-wage, undocumented workers and also the need for liberalized immigration policies to fulfill high-skilled professions.

Two policy options to be considered

The Obama Administration has attempted to navigate a dual course: on one hand, becoming more welcoming to 'deserving' immigrants (including the children of undocumented workers who have lived their entire lives in the U.S.) while attempting to control the flood of undocumented workers over the nation's borders. For example, changes have been proposed to current immigration policy in the form of the Dream Act, which offers an expedited path to citizenship for children of undocumented workers brought to the U.S. However, the Obama Administration is also currently facing pushback regarding its proposal "that could eventually allow as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants to receive work authorization.[footnoteRef:1] A federal judge put the program on hold to "considers a case brought by 26 states over the constitutionality of the policies."[footnoteRef:2] But another district judge blocked "the Obama administration from detaining individuals seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying the policy illegally aims to deter others from immigrating to the U.S."[footnoteRef:3]

Pros and cons of each option [1: Foley, E. "Obama Administration to seek stay on immigration ruling," The Huffington Post, Last modified 20 Feb 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/20/obama-immigration-executive-action_n_6722440.html] [2: Ibid.] [3: Reilly, M. "Judge blocks Obama Administration from detaining asylum-seekers as immigration deterrent." The Huffington Post, Last modified 20 Feb 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/20/immigration-detention-injunction_n_6724662.html]

By taking a more liberal course of action and supporting policies like the Dream Act, Obama may be able to win greater Latino support. This would also acknowledge in a more realistic fashion the fact that entirely expelling the immigrants currently residing in the U.S. wholesale is not feasible. Oh the other hand, not having secure borders poses a security risk and leaves the Administration open to criticism from opponents.

Recommended course of action

At present, the moderate course of the Administration in balancing the need to honor the commitment of hardworking immigrants of undocumented status while reducing the flow of unchecked undocumented workers seems to be a wise one.

Reasoning for selecting that course of action

Securing the borders while showing compassion to individuals currently working in the U.S. is a wise one. While an open border policy is not feasible in modern America, neither is ignoring the reality of the number of undocumented workers in the U.S. who have made a positive contribution to society.