While President Obama favors an after-the-fact approach to fixing our current immigration problems with legislation such as the DREAM Act, Mitt Romney has taken a stance that aims to actively reduce the number of illegal immigrants by reforming our convoluted national system. While at face value the DREAM Act is a humanitarian effort, Romney argues that amnesty programs such as this only encourage illegal immigration, as they make legal citizenship attainable via illegal means.
In order to combat the excess of illegal immigrants residing within our national borders, Governor Romney has proposed a national system of employment verification. This will not only make it possible for companies to assure that their employees are working legally, but will also reduce the incentive for people to immigrate illegally. Other incentives for illegal immigration Romney has advocated against in his political career are in-state tuition for illegal residents and the ability of illegal residents to obtain drivers licenses. By ridding our nation of these illogical benefits for those who lack any legal reason for having them, Romney has shown that he will take proactive measures in attempting to reduce the number of potential illegal immigrants.
One of the primary factors contributing to our current immigration situation has been the inflexibility of our government in providing legal pathways, such as an effective work visa system, for workers attempting to enter the country. While millions are able to cross the borders illegally, thousands who wish to enter the United States legally with dreams of higher education and job opportunities are excluded due to ineffective systems of visa selection and distribution. By revamping these defunct processes, and implementing a system that eliminates the ability of workers to overstay their legal visas, Governor Romney has set his sights on creating an effective solution for one of the more polarizing issues affecting Americans.
In order to further stimulate the economy through effective legal immigration policies, Governor Romney has suggested increasing the number of visas available for highly skilled workers. He argues that the current number allowed each year is too low, and the lack of these potential workers hinders the ability of American firms to remain competitive against international firms. This approach promotes the US as an attractive place for high-skilled foreign employment.
The Republican approach is geared towards restarting the economy by attracting immigrants who will actively and intellectually contribute. Getting illegal immigrants out means making sure we don’t simply give away the benefits of citizenship but keep it for those who will bring something to America.
In a time of economic turmoil, the U.S. cannot afford to become a house for immigrants. Romney makes it clear that the U.S. will only tolerate immigration in relation to the progression of our country.
