Call to Action!
By Stanley P. Walker of Southern Star Immigration
For more than 10 years, I have always thought comprehensive immigration reform was coming. In fact, there were 4 times I was certain it was happening: (1) in June, 2007 when President Bush made a final push with Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform before he left office; (2) in 2009 after President Obama was elected along with a Democratic Senate and House of Representatives; (3) in November, 2012 after it was clear the Hispanic voting block was a key factor in the elections; and (4) in June, 2013 when a bipartisan effort helped pass Senate Bill 744 – unfortunately, that bill stalled in the House of Representatives.
Today, I think we are further away from immigration reform that we have ever been. Our nation seems greatly divided over this issue, but in reality, most people want a reasonable resolution to the problem. Most Republicans seem determined to deport everyone and build a wall. The current administration insists it is doing everything it can, but it is not. Right now, our government is jailing thousands of women and children in family detention centers in an effort to discourage them from fleeing Central America for their safety. The government claims its hands are tied and conservative courts are blocking the DAPA and expanded DACA programs announced by the President last year. Actually, we could have DAPA and expanded DACA if the government would comply with the notice and comment provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act – this is the only reason the court stopped the program, and it would only take 60 days for the government to do this. There seems to be no solution in sight and the Hispanic population is suffering the consequences. My advice to you is stop suffering and start doing something about it. How?
Become a U.S. citizen and register to vote! The 2016 national election is only 13 months away. The President, the entire House of Representatives, and 1/3 of the Senate are up for re-election. Make your voice heard. Currently, there are over 9 million lawful permanent residents in the United States who are eligible to apply for citizenship. A very large percentage of those 9 million people are Hispanic. In history, there have only been two times when the government naturalized more than 1 million people in a single year – the 1996 and 2008 election years. There is still time to naturalize before the 2016 election. Imagine how differently candidates would approach immigration reform issues if in a single year 3 million new Hispanic citizens registered to vote. Imagine the impact you could have on the future of immigration reform. You basically have two choices: do nothing, and nothing will probably happen, just like nothing has happened over the past 10 years. Or, begin to speak as a single voice and back up your words with actions – naturalize and register to vote.
Becoming a citizen is relatively easy and inexpensive. Study materials are available and if you have difficulty speaking English, there is still time to practice. Also, many older permanent residents who have had their green cards for long periods of time can waive the English language requirement and take the test in Spanish. I encourage everyone who has a green card, or knows someone who has a green card, to contact a qualified immigration lawyer today to see if you are eligible for naturalization. The government is making it easier than ever to apply by accepting credit cards for the application fee and providing study apps for smart phones. At Southern Star Immigration, we thoroughly interview you to make sure you are eligible for naturalization, provide you with study materials, and perform a practice test ahead of your interview to determine any areas where you need to practice. We will also offer you a 20% discount on any quoted attorney’s fee for naturalization between now and the election if you mention this article. Personally, I don’t care whether you come to see us, or go to another attorney. I don’t care if you vote Republican or Democratic. The point is to do something! Become a naturalized citizen and register to vote. I guarantee you that if the candidates see a national push by the Hispanic population to influence, if not determine the 2016 elections, immigration reform, and how to get it done, will become the most important topic for the 2016 elections.
