By:
Samantha Cleare
Thousands of undocumented children have entered the United States; thousands continue to cross the border, unaccompanied. Dealing with this conflict of politics and ethics, President Barack Obama tackles one of his final adversities in office.
What caused this recent influx of escaping child refugees?
A recent increase in gang and drug-related violence not in Mexico, but in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador has spiked the number of migrants from those countries. Approximately 15,000 Honduran immigrant children were caught this year, and 5,000 Honduran migrant minors were deported in Mexico, on their way to the United States. In March, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees stated gang violence and domestic abuse were two of the main causes for the recent migration.
There is also speculation that the relaxed U.S. immigration policies may have caused this movement. The amount of unaccompanied minors immigrating into the United States forces the government into a humanitarian chokehold. Can the United States handle thousands of homeless orphans? Based on interviews with 230 women and children caught crossing the Rio Valley, they expected to be able to stay. Rumors that the United States takes in women and underaged immigrants spread false hope in Central America. Social media further cements these unrealistic dreams. Family members can constantly view the prospects in the United States through Facebook.
Earlier this year, news of undocumented minors coming to the United States engulfed the media. The number of these immigrant children from Central America has more than doubled in the past two years. Since October alone, 52,000 children have been caught attempting to cross the Southwestern U.S. border. False rumors of immigrant children residing in upscale resorts in Texas enraged the public. Speculation concerning their relation to drug trades also ignited protests and animosity across America.
Due to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, border agents cannot detain children for more than 72 hours. The law mandates a court hearing for these individuals. With around 5,000 cases being brought to every qualified judge, this process takes years to complete. Ninety percent of these children stay with relatives while waiting. Along with the increase in children staying here legally, “people-smugglers” make a profit and cause a spike in Central American migrators, as well. In 2012, the president implemented DACA, which delays children from being deported under certain circumstances. Now the question remains: What do we do with these undocumented children?
More rumors have arisen recently as President Obama stated he would reform the country’s immigration policies, soon. One of these changes includes expanding the DACA policy. The refined policy would decrease the amount defined as “recent illegal entrants”, exclude noncitizens convicted of traffic violations and nonviolent crimes, and forego the displacement of those with lengthy deportation orders.
Fox News reported President Obama was planning a ten-point immigration plan. Points of this supposed plan range from expanding deferred action for young illegal immigrants to expanding border security. Contrary to popular belief, the plan also includes more strict immigration policies. This plan would not only fortify border security; it would also strengthen the enforcement of deportation policies. The prosecution of the immigration laws would be forced on the borders and within the United States.
These rumors and statements of drastic immigration reforms are characteristic of Obama wanting to leave his last mark as president. Gustavo Torres, the executive director of CASA de Maryland and a coalition leader, said, “We expect the president to be big and bold. This is his opportunity to make sure we are going to remember him as the president who made a difference for Latino and immigrant communities.”
However, these changes confront Republican opposition. Come January, President Barack Obama will face a Republican-majority Senate. John Boehner stated, “We’re going to fight the president tooth-and-nail if this is the path he wants to take.”
The postponement of these new immigration reforms has upset immigration groups. Time is of the essence as the migration from Central America ensues. Liberal lobbying groups, including the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, donated over $300 million to immigration organizations. The two opposing sides of this issue continue to conflict as individuals demand answers.
On November 20, President Obama confirmed many rumors concerning an immigration reform. He began his speech, admitting that the country’s immigration system is “broken.” The President blamed failure in immigration policies on Republicans in the House not allowing a “simple vote” to put a reform in action. Therefore, he stated, “I have the legal authority to take as president, the same kinds of actions taken by Democratic and Republican presidents before me, that will help make our immigration system more fair and more just.”
Aside from asserting his dominance as President, President Obama explained his actual plan to fight immigration issues. Rumors became reality as the President described his next, and possibly his lasting, actions in office.
Mirroring President George W. Bush, President Obama could not pass his original changes concerning immigration policies. Similar to President George W. Bush, his successor plans to completely re-write the system and make it his own. On the other hand, President Obama will not deter from his efforts or shy away from his power as president.
President Obama has repeatedly said, “I believe that America is a nation of immigrants.” Based on the current rumors and recent speech, America will continue not only to be a melting pot of immigrants, but it will also become a home for more Central American refugees. Will opponents of a relaxed immigration reform stand in the way?
With the clash of the political parties and a looming deadline, President Obama is not only attempting to re-write the country’s immigration policy. He fights to re-write what will become history, striving to be known for his final acts in office.
