Speech

Topic: U.S. Senate group considers a large reduction in family visas as part of a new immigration deal

Audience: College University Graduates

            America, the land of the free. The home of the brave. People travel from all parts of the world to come here and seek the American Dream. But what is their dream really all about? Is is about wealth and prosperity? About opportunity? About family freedom? What if I tell you it's about all of those things, and that one will not work without the other.  Today in the White House senators are negotiating a bill that would make it difficult for relatives of U.S. citizens to immigrate to this country. Instead of having the sons and daughters of our citizens come to this country, our congressman would prefer to limit this privilege to high-skilled workers. Currently, about 65 percent of legal immigrants are admitted into this country through the family visa program, and another 14 percent are admitted for employment reasons. Now senators want to basically reverse those numbers. While most agree that only a limited number of people should be allowed into this country each year, the question is being raised as to who those people should be. As it stands, spouses and minor children of citizens are given top priority, and that will remain. However, unmarried children older than 21 and married adult children and siblings have been the next in line for consideration. Now congress wants to get rid of this group all together and trade family members in for what they call “beneficial workers.” Although those family members could still apply for entry, they would need to have high-tech skill in order to qualify and be approved for a green card. That adds up to approximately 90,000 visas denied each year.

            These policies have been in place for generations. However, now the family visa program is being overshadowed by the larger issue of citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country. Changes to the family visa program may have serious ramifications for any decision reached by congress regarding immigration. The family visa  program has a waiting list of around 4.3 million people. That's 4.3 million family members of legal U.S. citizens, awaiting their entry into this country. Today I tell you that our politicians want to stop these families from coming together. Today I tell you that our politicians want to do away with family migration and begin what they are calling an “economic-based immigration system.” Is this bill going to pass? Well it could.

            Republicans have submitted the bill for the admittance of only high-skilled workers, while democrats have been in favor of giving priority entrance to family members of legal citizens already in this country. Democrats understand that extended family creates support networks that keep families together and help them excel. But recently, democrats have decided that they need to compromise on family visas in order to convince republicans to be flexible on illegal immigration issues. Even more, the Obama administration has expressed support for the group’s general principles, but have not officially backed the bill as of yet. So, yes this bill could pass. With everyone worried about what to do about illegal immigration, legal U.S. citizens with migrating family members are getting pushed to the side. So what are we to do? The first thing we must do is spread the word and get people interested in the issue. From there we need letters; use the searchable online congressional directory to find your senators' and representative's phone numbers. You can also call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard and ask for their office. If you like you can go to Washington and picket...Just do something. If we don't do anything then we will have no right to complain when the big wigs in congress make the decision for us. This is a big issue and one that is being overshadowed. Don't forget about the ones who have already done the work to become legal. Don't we owe them something? Don't we owe them an opportunity at the whole American dream? Who are we to tell them when their dream has been fulfilled. Do we have the right to change the rules, only after they have done the work?

Works Cited

Longley, Robert. “US Government Info: Letters to Congress.” About.com. n.d.     Usgovinfo.about.com. 14 March 2013.

Najamura, D “Senate group considers large reduction in family visas as part of immigration deal.              WP Politics. March 14, 2013. Washingtonpost.com. 14 March 2013.