President Obama introduced an executive action about immigration on Thursday, Nov. 21. In the opinion of many, the plan was just a Band-Aid to a more major problem that in the end does not clearly fix any of the underlying issues.
“For more than 200 years, our tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world has given us a tremendous advantage over other nations. It’s kept us youthful, dynamic, and entrepreneurial, it has shaped our character as a people with limitless possibilities,” President Obama said. “People not trapped by our past, but able to remake ourselves as we choose. But today our immigration system is broken and everyone knows it.”
So what actually is this executive action? Why does it matter? What is the outcome and how will it help others?
The executive action on immigration is a temporary solution and is not progress toward comprehensive immigration reform. It does, however, provide some relief for potentially 5.5 million undocumented immigrants already here.
There were three main topics that Obama discussed in his executive action including add more resources at the border, have more opportunities for higher skilled immigrants and take responsibility for all the undocumented immigrants already here.
The Jesuit Refugee Service welcomes “President Obama’s announcement of temporary relief from deportation for as many as five million of our community members. At the same time we acknowledge that millions more families will continue to suffer under the constant specter of family separation caused by our broken immigration system, which can only be permanently resolved through positive, humane and practical legislation.”
Similarly, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) approves the executive action. “By deferring the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, President Obama has provided much-needed humanitarian relief to families; yet it is only a short-term solution.”
This seems to be going in the right direction right? Right.
Both the Jesuit Refugee Service and CRS view the issue as religious and humanitarian. From an economic point of view, bringing these undocumented people out of the shadows will increase tax revenue because many will now have work visas and not just be paid under the table. The action will also benefit employers who will not have to worry that employees will be deported.
Many wonder why President Obama took this action on his own. Last year, the Senate passed a true immigration bill that would reform the broken system. However, the House refused to pass that bill. Obama decided that if our country could not get the reform it needed, he would do what he is permitted to do on his own. Therefore, he decided that, as the chief executive, he would instruct immigration authorities to focus on serious criminals who have crossed the border and not deport those who have not broken any laws other than being here without proper documents.
Dr. Don Taylor, Cabrini’s president, signed a statement along with scores of other presidents of Catholic universities. The statement is called Child Refugees Tests the American Character: A statement by Catholic Higher Education Leaders, which states, “Catholic colleges and universities have both the opportunity and obligation to respond. Hospitality is a central component of our Catholic beliefs and our intellectual tradition. We reach out to the stranger in order to engage with, learn from and collaborate with our diverse communities. Our openness to the newcomer incarnates the welcoming spirit of Christ.”
Cabrini College is named for St. Frances Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants. Loquitur is proud that our new college president is continuing the tradition of Mother Cabrini and the Cabrini sisters in supporting immigrants in our country. Obama took the first step toward reform. It is up to us to work for true immigration reform that will benefit both our country as well as those hoping for lives of human dignity.
