What Have We Learned Thus Far During the Immigration Reform Hearings?

Hearings on the much awaited Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 began last week in the Senate, with panelists ranging from an undocumented immigrant to Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who has been a strong supporter of self-deportation. More than seven hours were spent hearing four different panels, 23 different witnesses and considering the 844-page immigration reform bill. The hearings involved discussion of the Boston bombings, with Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) opening proceedings by stating that he was troubled that some Republican lawmakers would try to exploit the bombings to delay action on the reform bill. The senator stated, Let no one be so cruel as to try to use the heinous acts of these two young men last week to derail the dreams and futures of millions of hardworking people. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) suggested a piecemeal approach to legislation, another point of discussion about the bill. While the pieces of the legislation that deal with border security and refining the current legal immigration system can be more easily agreed upon by a majority of Senators, the provision that allows for a pathway to legalization for undocumented immigrants makes for much debate and disagreement. Unfortunately, I continue to see our politicians do not fully comprehend the importance of how our current immigration laws continue to separate American born children from their parents. It is estimated that more than 1500 persons per week are being deported, the majority with no criminal record; while all along our politicians argue a point of not real contention, which is what is the time period undocumented immigrants who start the process of regulating their status will have to wait to become U.S. Citizens. As I provide legal consultations, it amazes me the majority of those I speak to (our undocumented population) are more than willing to be subjected to a waiting period of 15+ years to become U.S. Citizens; in return for a solution protection today. They struggle daily with an anxiety that they may be next, separated from their U.S. Citizen family members. Yet another sensitive point about the bill is its failure to include same-sex families. Jim Kolbe, a former Republican congressman from Arizona testified on the difficulty of being separated from his partner, who had to return to Panama after his work visa expired. While the discussions are far from over, initial hearings confirm what we have known all along. The road to immigration reform will not be an easy one and the battle for its passage has only just begun. About the Author: Attorney Alfredo Lozano is a San Antonio business immigration lawyer. He established The Lozano Law Firm, PLLC to impart personal attention and cost-effective immigration

solutions to Texas corporate clients. For more information visit http://www.abogadolozano.com.