We must have immigration reform which allows all residents of this country to live and work in this country who have not created offenses under criminal law, not immigration law. It must include a process to more easily allow future generations to enter this country and provide a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship without the harsh language used today.
Why is this important?
The undocumented population, who came here to work and not be criminals, have been marginalized by immigration laws and enforcement policies. This approach is perpetuated by the language of today's immigration reform discussion: "harsh penalties", "the end of the line", no pathway to citizenship until the borders are sealed, and the reemergence of EVerify. We must stop the criminalization of those who have been captured in the dragnet of enforcement to allow them to remain in this country with their families.
