A response to “Should American Support Trump on his Immigration Policies?”

The article by an unknown author, “Should American Support Trump on his Immigration Policies?” explores the sticky issue of immigration, a hot topic of US politics, and a crucial component of President Trump’s campaign platform. The author questions the legitimacy of Trump’s proposed immigration policy in the context of US growth, American greatness, and human rights. The ideas presented have merit and should be examined in consideration of immigration policy reform.

Immigration policy is necessary, the absence of such law would create many potential challenges to security and the economy of the country. Without a doubt, US immigration law needs reform, especially concerning DACA. While the author cites no specific evidence to back up their argument, the article alludes to the salient issues of immigration policy, namely: the economy, diversity, ethics, and seekers of asylum.

While I think the author has made a mistake in associating Trump’s DACA policy with the separation of children from their parents at the US/Mexico border, I agree that to end DACA in a way that results in deportation is unjust. The lives of these people will be turned upside down. Having been born and educated in the US, some speaking only English, they will arrive alone in an unfamiliar country and culture, separated from their families and communities. In short, they will be put at significant risk. In contrast, citizenship will ensure dignity, respect contributions made to society, and capitalize on the investment that the US has already made in their education and training. Indeed, the DACA program needs attention; it is currently unsustainable, with no path to citizenship for its participants. I would hope that immigration reform includes the ethical handling of DACA.

I am very interested to see the author back up their argument with some strong evidence. Also, I would be interested in their ideas for a solution. I share the sentiment that DACA needs to treated ethically and its participants protected. The more voices out there that speak in reasonable, convincing terms, the better.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Editorial Critique #1

Michael McGough, senior editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times, pens a short and sensationalized argument in defense of Adam Schiff’s recent statement regarding President Trump’s phone call with with Ukraine Leader Volodymyr Zelensky entitled: “ Adam Schiff’s riff on Trump’s Ukraine call was more truth than parody, but still unwise ”. Although the name of the article implies a commentary that includes both favor and criticism of Schiff, once studied, the editorial’s bias is clear. Any worthy point McGough could have made is lost in excess personal attacks and weakened still by an anemic attempt to project impartiality in his concluding critique of Schiff. Both the author and publisher appear respectable and long-serving. Nonetheless, their propriety is undercut by the bitter nature of this article. From the outset, McGough uses hyperbolic and derogatory descriptors of Trump’s character and behavior. Phrases like “new extremes of crazy” and “deranged” set the tone for the intr
Read more

Values Trump Data

When making policy, on what should we base our decisions: values, or data? We have strong values and traditions that inform our political ideology and direction: laws are made, budgets drawn, and our country’s future set. These belief systems are a fundamental aspect of our culture and can provide a strong sense of identity. Longstanding examples of these values include free speech, voting rights, and the right to bear arms, all enshrined in the Bill of Rights. But what if conclusive evidence discredits our values or proves the methods they inspire to be ineffective? In response, we have two distinct choices: to adhere to tradition regardless, ignoring fact, or to pivot in line with our goals. To pivot is frequently problematic. Beliefs become an integral part of our identity, and in confronting them, we often feel personally challenged. However, if we disregard data when voting, setting budgets, and creating policy, we will fail to realize our objectives. Let’s use sexuality edu
Read more

Beyond Profiteering

An  article  published by  reuters.com  reports on a decision by a U.S. appeals court to continue a case alleging that President Trump has profited from officials who have patronized Trump's businesses. I found most interesting the consideration that beyond profiteering, there is an equally serious concern. As part of the charges brought by the plaintiffs, an accusation made is that officials (both foreign and domestic) may choose to patronize Trump establishments to curry favor.  Although this idea is presented in only one line within the article, it stands out to me as perhaps the most important. Most talking points relating to this subject center around the possibility of President Trump profiteering unconstitutionally. However, we should seriously consider the risk of inappropriate and unfair influence gained by those who support his businesses. President Trump is exceptionally focused on whether or not people like him. This self-concern suggests a possible weakness and a
Read more