Although the Senate continues to make steady progress on a plan to overhaul the immigration system in the United States, many are worried that certain deal breakers in the bill will derail the efforts which have been made thus far.
Path to Citizenship on Hold
One aspect of the bill, proposed by the Senate’s Gang of Eight which originally drafted the proposals that the Senate Judiciary Committee are now voting on, is whether or not to allow a path to citizenship for the some 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. This aspect of the bill was put on hold until biometric security devices, like iris and fingerprint scanners, are in use on every international traveler coming in through or leaving from a U.S. point of entry or exit.
While the use of biometric data at U.S. entry and exit points would allow for greater access control into and out of the country, some question whether or not the implementation of biometric technology at U.S. borders is a prudent trigger to allowing a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country.
Further talks on the matter are expected. While some politicians are fighting for a path to citizenship, others want the matter off the table entirely. So far, it appears as if time will tell whether or not the bill will contain a path to citizenship.
Same Sex Marriage at Issue
Another issue that could be a deal breaker for the bill would be whether or not gay and lesbian citizens and permanent residents would be able to sponsor foreign same sex spouses for the purpose of obtaining a green card. Conservative politicians warn that such an allowance would in fact be a deal breaker in the negotiations.
Until a Deal is Reached
Until the Senate Judiciary Committee is able to reconcile the concerns coming from both sides of the aisle, the lives and futures of millions of immigrants remain an uncertainty. Until the bill being built is actually voted on by both chambers of Congress, anyone who may be affected by immigration reform is advised to continue to follow the laws as they remain on the books.
In order to ensure that they receive the most accurate and up to date information on the state of immigration reform in America, undocumented immigrants are encouraged to speak with an immigration attorney. The attorney will be in the best position to advise immigrants on their rights as they stand under current laws and can help lay rumors regarding immigration reform to rest.
Even undocumented immigrants have the right to legal counsel in the United States, but if they are worried about visiting an attorney in person, they can make contact with an experienced immigration law firm by phone or email. For the best experience dealing with an attorney, immigrants are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney that can provide legal counsel in the immigrant’s native language. This will make sure that the immigrant understands everything which the attorney has to say in regards to his or her specific case.
