Biden asks for citizenship for certain immigrants and warns of greater security at the border

He also urged congressmen to make legislative changes to ensure work visas.

” review our laws so that companies have the workers they need and families don’t wait decades to reunite,” he said. “It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the economically smart thing to do.”

He spoke of it as immigration reform, which he noted is supported by various sectors, including unions and business leaders. .

“That is why immigration reform has the support of all , from the unions to the religious leaders and the United States Chamber of Commerce”, he affirmed.

However, the biggest challenge is in his own party in Congress. Specifically, the Senate has not reached any agreement to move forward with a plan for immigrants and, according to civil organizations, comprehensive immigration reform would only be possible with bipartisan support.

According to the projections of organizations such as the Center for American Progress, the protection of immigrants who were essential workers, where ‘dreamers’ and people with TPS would also be considered, would benefit some five million people, indicates a report from June 20221, which also highlighted the economic benefits.

So far, there has been no discussion in Congress about a migration plan . The recent proposal promoted by Republican to Republican María Elvira Salazar (Florida), does not have express support, not even from other of her colleagues.

Security at the border

A high point of President Biden’s State of the Union address, which he arrived with a low level of acceptance, was when spoke of border security, since even opponents such as Republican Ted Cruz (Texas) rose from their seats to celebrate the intentions.

“If we want to promote freedom and justice, we need to secure the border and fix the immigration system,” the president emphasized. “We can do both. At our border, we have installed new technology, such as state-of-the-art scanners, to better detect drug smuggling.”

He added that there have been joint patrols coordinated with the governments of Mexico and Guatemala, which would have detained migrant caravans, although the president referred to “human traffickers”. not everyone will be a priority.

“We are implementing specific immigration judges so that families fleeing persecution and violence can hear their cases faster,” he stated.

He spoke of the new refugee and asylum system, which would work from the countries of origin of those who seek protection in the US

“We are ensuring commitments and supporting partners in America to the South and Central to take in more refugees and secure their own borders,” he said.

They distrust promises

Immigrant advocates believe little in the words of President Biden, considering that he has failed to keep his promises. The national movement United We Dream (United We Dream) accused that while the president highlights support for migrants, he increases deportations.

“With deportations and removals continuing to rise, racial injustice cannot be hidden that the Biden Administration continues to commit against communities of color every day,” accused Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director of that group. “President Biden called for increased surveillance along the US-Mexico border, despite overwhelming evidence and testimonials from our communities proving again and again the harmful and deadly effects of surveillance technology. ”.

This Wednesday, activists are protesting in front of the White House, where they posted a message accusing the deportation of two million immigrants under the current government.