Undocumented immigrants
Undocumented immigrants are people in the United States who are not legally able to work or live here. These immigrants are often referred to as “illegal immigrants” or “unauthorized immigrants.” They can be in the United States illegally because they entered the country without a valid visa or because their existing visas have expired.
Immigration process
Immigration is a complex process. Getting an immigrant’s legal status is not easy and can take years, even decades. This makes the decision to come to the United States difficult for many people.
Seeking better opportunities
Most people who come to the United States seek better opportunities for themselves and their children. They may want to be reunited with family members, or they may need to seek work or protection from violence. Whether their reasons are legitimate or not, they should have the opportunity to pursue their goals.
Rights and access to resources
They should be allowed to work, get medical care and access government benefits. They should also have the right to live and be safe in the U.S.
Pathways to legalization and citizenship
There are a number of ways to address the needs of undocumented immigrants, but the most effective way is by offering them pathways to legalization and citizenship. These paths are not only good for the individuals involved, but they are also a significant stimulus to the economy.
Benefits to the economy
Creating pathways to citizenship and legalization will raise wages for all workers, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and boost the GDP. It would also allow these individuals to own homes in the U.S. This would allow them to start or continue their own businesses, provide for their families, and contribute to the social infrastructure of the country.
Access to services and opportunities
This would also make it easier for them to pay taxes and get a driver's license, as well as to secure health insurance. It will also make it more likely that they will have access to services such as child care and mental health care, allowing them to remain healthy and in school or work.
Educational opportunities and building careers
These pathways will also increase the chances that they will be able to access educational opportunities and help them build their own careers. These pathways will also give them a stronger understanding of the law and their rights as citizens of the United States.
Protection and access to resources
The pathway to legalization will also protect people from the risk of being deported. Those who are deported from the United States face many negative consequences, including being denied access to public education and healthcare.
Preventing discrimination and protecting rights
In addition to protecting their lives, legalization will prevent the undocumented from losing access to social programs such as public housing, food assistance, and other government benefits. It will also protect them from being discriminated against in the workplace.
Prohibition of discrimination
Currently, there are laws in the United States that prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on their immigration status. For example, it is against the law to refuse to hire a worker or retaliate against a worker for taking legal action against their employer if the employee has an immigration status.
