Securing the Border Between the United States, What Will the Future Hold?

COMMENTARY | After watching the State of Union Address last night, I have to ponder and rethink the question I think has been neglected and really holds my attention span because of my own opinions and current situation. President Obama made some very good points about the current situation with securing the border and stopping illegal immigration. Though some immigrants simply want a better way of life, the conditions they have to undergo to cross the border is very consequential and very controversial. Though I have studied many issues regarding Latinos, as my undergrad BA is in Latin American Studies, I feel as though there are better ways to improve the way of life for Latinos in the United States. Obama has stated that he will sign a bill into law to reform immigration, which I think is a wonderful and progressive plan for immigrants, not only from Mexico but from other countries as well.

Obama made the point that once the immigrants or foreign students come to the United States and receive their education they are sent back to their native countries once their visa expires and the education they receive simply does not help America. I agree completely, because if the student has a prosperous education in the United States and can greatly help themselves, their family and the economy in the United States, then I strongly think it is a wise idea for them to gain experience in the workforce as well. There are so many avenues in which an immigrant can help the United States. Many skills and trades that are learned by immigrant workers have proven to be beneficial for both the worker and the United States. Jobs such as technology, medical research and language comprehension can only make the immigrant and the United States stronger. The United States is built on immigrants and the skills they can bring to help one another, that is why the United States has so much opportunity to work past the differences and work together as a whole. The resources and universities/colleges in the United States can forever change the life of a student. Obama also stated that the work of a good teacher will forever be in the person’s mind to succeed, which I also feel is crucial to helping the younger generation. I myself had a select few professors at UNC-Charlotte that made a profound difference on my outlook on politics, Latin America and International and Domestic relations.

My personal outlook for Latinos particularly is that I think if they can receive an education in the United States, they should hold on to the will power to do so. If they want the opportunity to stay in the United States, then they should be given that chance. By the time the student has completed college, they will more than likely know both English and Spanish and will be able to help communication barriers greatly. Mitt Romney’s plan for self-deportation is simply not going to help the situation because the relationship between Mexico and the United States is always going to be a close one that needs improvements, not more criticism just because one’s national origin is of Mexican descent.

I also have a very personal experience with this situation. My nephew, who is only 3, is half Mexican. His father was here on a temporary/student visa and had to return to Mexico. Now at the current time he is unable to come back to the United States to work or return to school because of how long the immigration process takes. I find this unfair to the child and to the father and mother as well. I think that if he has a skill to provide to the United States, then he can be a prime example of how if given a fair chance, then any dream can come true. Though my nephew was born in the United States, I still feel he needs to have a fighting chance to become educated also in both of his cultures. The Latino cultures are hardworking and very family-oriented people that can not only grow from their experiences in the United States, but they can educate other Latino families as well.

Finally, immigration reform can be very controversial issue for many Americans but I think if we all grasp the larger picture and recognize the actual skill and achievement of immigrants, then the United States will thrive once again and show the world how working together and seeing beyond one’s ethnicity can open doors and bring people together to live and learn. Let’s not let another dream slip away from our children’s future and the stability of the largest economy on Earth.


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