In two articles, one from WSJ and the other from NYT, the topic of the U.S. offering Central American children the opportunity to apply for refugee status is discussed. It is interesting to read on the differing perspectives, specifically between human rights activists and activists who call for a tough stance on illegal immigration. Some examples on the differing opinions from the articles:
From WSJ, "Activists who call for a tough stance on illegal immigration criticized the Obama administration's move. 'The president's plan undermines his contention that his administration is determined to return the thousands of recent illegal aliens from those Central American countries,' said Ira Mehlman, a spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which favors curbing all immigration to the U.S.
From NYT, "Human rights advocates have largely praised the idea, saying the plan would help protect children who are facing rape and even death at the hands of drug trafficking gangs that have become more prevalent in some parts of Central America."
These are just a couple of many differing points on the plan between groups. What do you think of it?
http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-to-offer-refugee-status-to-some-children-from-central-america-1412139819?KEYWORDS=central+america
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/01/us/obama-approves-plan-to-let-children-apply-for-refugee-status-in-central-america.html?ref=politics
According to the numbers, the plan has already made a positive influence on immigration as only a third as many children have attempted to cross the boarder illegally. I believe that good immigration policy does not only provide reasonable options for foreigners but also alters incentives. Some right-wingers argue that a better incentive would be to make the journey between the two countries tougher so that less attempt to cross. However given the dangerous environment that some children in central America are raised in, there is a threshold on how effective that route will be. I think this plan, albeit not perfect, will be successful in easing the journey for many.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you contrasted the views in the two papers. Depending on which you read consistently, your views on this issue and the government response will be so very different.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good plan. Children from these countries should have a safe way to get to the United States without having to try and cross the border illegally. As long as these children have relatives already in the United States, they should be able to apply for refugee status. It is a good legal way to get into the United States.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I also believe we need to tighten our border security. I understand that people sympathize with the children that cross the border illegally to escape the horrors in their home country. But, I don't think illegally crossing the border should be so easy to do or considered an okay thing to do. If people want to get into this country, they should do it legally.