The United States has every right, indeed, an obligation to uphold a strict immigration system. We are a nation of laws, and national security, economic stability, and public trust depend on those laws being enforced. But even in a country built on order, fairness must never be treated as a flaw in the system.
The current deportation process, especially for individuals who may have a legal pathway to remain in the U.S., reveals a deeper issue: inconsistency. Take for example the situation of many Cuban migrants who arrived through the border. Instead of being granted humanitarian parole, a status that would allow them to adjust their immigration situation under the Cuban Adjustment Act many were issued an I-220A document. While some legal professionals argue that this form still implies parole authority, the government doesn’t always interpret it that way. As a result, these individuals are left in limbo, unsure whether they can build a future here or face eventual removal. This legal gray area not only affects their lives but puts added strain on immigration courts and legal aid services.
There is also the broader question of fairness across nationalities. While Cubans have at least some legal precedents on their side, thousands of long-time residents from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and beyond have no such direct route. Some of these individuals have been in the U.S. for over a decade. They’ve opened businesses, raised American-born children, paid taxes, and stayed out of trouble. Should there be no mechanism after a thorough background check and vetting process for them to earn legal status? Refusing them a path isn’t about enforcing the law; it’s about denying reality.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we should throw open the gates and legalize everyone. Immigration law must be respected, and future entrants should understand that illegal crossings come with consequences. But for those who are already here, living within the system, contributing to the economy, and maintaining clean records, we must ask: does it serve the national interest to deport them?
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