Obama vs. Romney on Immigration Policy

Obama and Romney both agree that the current immigration system is broken, but they each have different approaches to fixing it. Here’s a summary of Obama and Romney’s views on immigration by key subjects:

Undocumented Immigrants Currently in the U.S. 

Deportation 

Skilled Immigration

Nuclear Families 

State-Enforced Immigration Policy 

While immigration is usually a big issue in presidential campaigns, it has taken a backseat in the current campaign, due to heightened focus on the economy and healthcare. Immigration did not receive much attention from either candidate except in front of Latino audiences and in the third presidential debate. Nevertheless, immigration policy remains extremely important in shaping the nation economically and socially and for the lives of millions.

Both presidential candidates know that immigration policy needs to change. In their policies, Obama and Romney have shown support for increasing the number of legal, highly skilled immigrants, particularly those in the STEM fields, and for keeping nuclear families together, but their views diverge after that.

While Romney has stated that he does not support mass deportation for the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S., his strong stance against “amnesty” and “magnet” policies are aimed at discouraging undocumented immigrants from coming and staying in the U.S. As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney vetoed a bill similar to the DREAM Act for the state and has said that he would veto the DREAM Act if elected president. Romney’s reforms would make working and attending school extremely difficult for undocumented immigrants, many of whom were brought to the U.S. as young children.

Obama’s immigration policy does not boil down to leniency and sheer increase in immigration numbers. His administration has deported 1.5 million undocumented immigrants thus far (in comparison, the Bush administration deported 2 million immigrants over the course of two terms). Despite failing to enact larger reforms to immigration policy, Obama has shown commitment to protecting undocumented immigrants’ rights; with the deferred action reprieve and his support for the DREAM Act, Obama is offering a better chance towards citizenship for young, law-abiding undocumented immigrants. Opponents of the DREAM Act often say that it is an incomplete solution – this is correct, as the larger problem lies in the broader scope of American immigration policy. Obama has failed to reform policy in his first term, but remains dedicated to working with Congress to pass comprehensive reform.

-Julia Chen

DREAMer Assistance in Washington, DC Area

At Break the Chain Campaign, one of our areas of work is to advocate for family preservation for those who are facing separation because of  harsh immigration enforcement. We were happy to hear about the plan to implement deferred action for young people who contribute so much to their communities. We want to share this email we received from the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), because it’s important for young people who want to apply for temporary status to see QUALIFIED immigration attorneys. It would be a tragedy to spend hard-earned money to be swindled by people trying to take advantage of the new program. So, please see this info below, a little PSA for advocates and families in the DC area:

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We know that there are a lot of questions about the process for undocumented youth to request the temporary status known as deferred action.  Fortunately, there are a number of terrific organizations in our area that are geared up and ready to answer questions to help DREAMers request relief from deportation.  Below are some of the local organizations that are conducting workshops and informational sessions to assist DREAMers.  

District of Columbia:

AYUDA will be conducting Q&A workshops to give individuals the latest reliable information. 
When:  Monday, August 20 through Friday, August 24
Two workshops every day:  4:00–5:00 p.m. and 5:00–6:00 p.m.  
Where:  6925B Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
For more information see:
http://www.ayudainc.org/index.cfm/news_ayuda-hosts-deferred-action-qa-workshops 

CARECEN will be holding screening and preparation workshops throughout the fall.  During the screening workshops, attorneys and other trained volunteers will be available to review documents and individual cases to determine eligibility for deferred action.  During preparation workshops, pro bono attorneys and trained volunteers will assist prescreened youth in completing their applications for deferred action. 
What:  Screening Sessions
When:  August 18 and September 15 from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.  
Where:  1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1, Washington, DC

What:  Informational Sessions
When:  August 22 and September 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Where:  1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1, Washington, DC

Maryland:

CASA de Maryland is conducting information sessions and assisting youth in requesting deferred action.  You can find out more here:http://casademaryland.org/storage/documents/DEFERRED_ACTION_PACKET_8.15.12.pdf

What: DREAMer Day Workshop hosted by the Washington, DC Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.  Attorneys will be available to assist in completing applications.  
When: August 25 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: 

1. Jesus House DC:  919/921 Philadelphia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
2. FIRN:  5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite E-200, Columbia, Maryland 21044
3. Catholic Charities of Baltimore–Esperanza Center: 430 S. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21231. There is a $50 fee at this location; call (410) 534-8015 in advance to schedule an appointment

Virginia:

Hogar Immigrant Services of Catholic Charities, Legal Aid Justice Center – Immigrant Advocacy Program, Ayuda, Just Neighbors:  Immigration Legal Services, Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN/STAR), Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center, Immigrant Youth in Virginia, and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) will host an information session.  
When:  August 21 from Noon–1:30 p.m. (registration begins at 11:45 a.m.) 
Where:  St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
   3304 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 
Please register here:  http://informationsessiondeferredactionfordreamers.eventbrite.com/

Washington, DC Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association will host a DREAMer Day Workshop.  Attorneys will be available to assist in completing applications. 
When: August 25 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: 

1. Reston Interfaith: 1086 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170 
   Please call (703) 435-6830 to schedule an appointment
2. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church: 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150

 

For more information about the deferred action policy, please visit www.nclr.org/relief(English) or www.nclr.org/alivio (Spanish).  To find assistance in other locations, please visitwww.weownthedream.org.

 

 

Good luck, DREAMers!!! 

– Tiffany