Immigration, Lockdowns and Elections

Immigration, Lockdowns and Elections

Jul 31, 2022

I have been a practicing Immigration attorney in the US for almost 15 years now... Actually, it does not feel that long. But it feels that recently more than ever Immigration issues become very political. There is literally not a change that any two recent administrations are trying to pass that would not become a subject of heated debates, accusations, and lawsuits. What has often been left out of the media's eye are the lives of real people who live in the US, every day go to work, watch children, clean, build, teach, cook, drive, shop, and comfort those who are involved in the endless debates, fights, and accusations.

It is funny how it works that most people whose lives are directly affected by the decisions of the politicians do not even have a say in this process. During COVID lockdowns, those born in the US tasted limitations on travel and freedoms for the first time, and America almost exploded from the rage: how can a live, human being be forced to stay put? cannot travel where and when they please? must comply with regulations even if they see them as unreasonable?

But for millions of fellow non-citizens, this LOCKDOWN has been continuous, lasting for many almost all their lives (like DACA kids, for example). Perhaps it is not surprising that many essential workers who weathered the lockdowns the best are non-citizens, who are already accustomed to the ever-lasting lockdowns...The point is that until and less those who can vote would not step in the shoes of those who cannot but whose lives depend on the votes, Immigration issues in America will not improve. If you are a Republican or a Democrat, Libertarian or Conservative if you have the power to vote, to change things, before your cast your vote, think a bit about people who live next door, who do not have this opportunity to have their voice counted, and who look up to you to help them to change their lives. Think about their ever-lasting lockdown...

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