MACOMB, Il – Immigration is a defining feature of the United States, it is a key principle of the idea of the American dream and is found at the core of our country’s existence. However, our current immigration system is broken, leaving millions in limbo and exposing vulnerabilities that affect both national security and individual lives. It’s time for America to adopt comprehensive immigration reform to create a fair, efficient, and secure process.
Yong Tang, a journalism and media law professor at Western Illinois University and a newly minted U.S. citizen, is a perfect example of the challenges faced by immigrants. Tang first came to the United States in 2004 as a reporter, yet it took him 20 years, thousands of dollars in fees, and an uphill battle with bureaucratic red tape to achieve citizenship.
Despite having full-ride offers from American universities, Tang’s student visa was initially denied multiple times. “I think that kind of policy, like the applicant carrying the legal burden of proving that you will return, is bad,” he said, referring to the stringent requirements that force applicants to prove they won’t overstay their visas. His suggestion? Let merit and contribution guide the process, not overly restrictive presumptions.
Tang’s journey underscores the need for a system that welcomes skilled, law-abiding individuals while safeguarding the nation from potential harm. Reforming immigration is not just a moral imperative—it’s a practical necessity. Here’s where we must start:
Secure Our Borders
Border security is critical to maintaining national safety and upholding immigration laws. Illegal immigration involves significant challenges. National security is compromised when individuals enter the country without being properly screened, as seen in cases like Laken Riley, where an undocumented individual was found guilty of murdering a 22-year-old college student.
Furthermore, the current system allows smugglers and traffickers to exploit migrants. Illegal immigrants often fall victim to labor exploitation, living in fear of deportation and unable to access the very opportunities they sought. Reforming the system will protect these individuals and ensure that immigration occurs through legal channels.
Restore DNA Testing to Protect Children
The Biden administration removed mandatory DNA testing at the border, but it’s a crucial tool in the fight against child trafficking. Verifying familial relationships among those crossing the border ensures that children are not being exploited or used as pawns in illegal activities. This simple step can save lives and protect the vulnerable.
Revise the Asylum-Seeking Process
The current asylum system is outdated, overburdened, and confusing for those in need. Migrants often arrive at the border without a clear understanding of the legal steps required to seek asylum, leading to unnecessary detentions or deportations. By revising the system and increasing educational outreach in migrants’ home countries, we can create a higher likelihood of individuals going through the correct channels to seek asylum.
Enforce Deportations While Offering Legal Pathways
Deportation must remain a key component of immigration enforcement. The millions of undocumented individuals in the United States today represent a breakdown of the rule of law. Enforcing deportations sends a clear message that illegal entry will not be tolerated.
However, deportation should not mean closing the door entirely. Those removed should be provided with clear instructions on how to return legally, ensuring that individuals who genuinely want to contribute to America have a pathway to do so.
Make Legal Immigration Accessible and Affordable
One of the most significant barriers to legal immigration is cost. Tang spent thousands of dollars navigating the system, including application fees and attorney expenses. This is not an isolated case—immigrants around the world are discouraged by the financial burden of legal processes.
Simplifying and reducing costs would make the American dream more accessible to those who are willing to work hard and contribute to society. Immigration reform should focus on efficiency and fairness, ensuring that no one is priced out of the opportunity to thrive.
Addressing Misconceptions About Illegal Immigration
Some argue that illegal immigrants contribute to the economy by paying taxes without receiving benefits. While it’s true that undocumented workers often contribute to payroll
taxes, they still benefit from taxpayer-funded infrastructure like public roads, schools, and hospitals.
The problem isn’t just economic—it’s ethical. Illegal immigration makes migrants vulnerable to exploitation. Many arrive without the financial means to survive, leading to situations where they are underpaid, overworked, and trapped in cycles of poverty. Reforming the system would protect both U.S. citizens and migrants from these harmful dynamics.
Why Reform Is Urgent
Immigration reform is about creating a system that reflects American values. Tang, who came to the U.S. for its First Amendment freedoms and the promise of hard-earned success, summarized the issue best: “Let the market decide.”
By welcoming skilled individuals, securing our borders, and creating clear, legal pathways for entry, we can build an immigration system that works for everyone. America must remain a symbol of opportunity, but we must also protect its integrity by ensuring that those who enter do so legally and responsibly.
Immigration reform is not just a policy issue; it’s a human issue. Let’s ensure the American dream is accessible to all who seek it—legally, securely, and fairly.
