President Joe Biden has placed immigration at the center of his administration’s agenda, giving hope to many immigrants wanting to seek asylum in the United States.
Biden has promised a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. But his plan has already received push-back from some Americans who think the president’s proposal for immigration reform will attract a new wave of immigrants and put a strain on the country’s economy and healthcare system.
We asked some residents of South Florida if they think America’s immigration laws should be lenient to those seeking refuge in the United States. Here are their responses:
Amy, Miami, FL – “Yes, I do think they should be more lenient simply because most people are fleeing their countries trying to seek a better life for their children. My parents left Jamaica for a better life and for better opportunities in life, such as better education, good healthcare, etc.”
Mya, Pompano, FL – “Absolutely! If you think about it, kids are taken from their parents if DCF gets involved because someone was mistreating the child. Which makes sense. But then how do we turn around and take children from parents who are clearly only trying to give them a better or safer life in America? Parents are willing to risk their life just so their children can have a good one.”
Evelyn, Sunrise, FL – “Yes, a thousand times! Some ‘legal Americans’ won’t understand why people try so hard to flee their homeland, because they haven’t experienced the true depression or fear of not being able to survive; being poor no matter how hard you try or being literally bombed. Some of the illegal immigrants come for a chance at survival. Before you judge, think: ‘If it was my family that needed to cross the border for a chance at life, would I want someone to judge me too?’”
Breana, Sunrise, FL – “American immigration laws should be more lenient towards people fleeing their respective countries because of criminal, social or political reasons because they are seeking security, justice, economy and lifestyle.”
Nicolette, Miami, FL – “Yes! More than half of the undocumented, who fled violence in their home countries, have lived in this country for more than a decade and nearly one-third are the parents of U.S.-born children, many of whom are minors.”
Dayana, West Palm Beach, FL – “Honestly yes, they should. Immigrants, illegal or not, make up a very large portion of America’s population. If a place is scary and literally life-threatening, I’d want a better life for my kids and family. In the Middle East, some reasons are obvious, like the terror groups and war. They want a chance to survive!”
Ariel, Kendall, FL – “Yes, I believe American migration should be more lenient to people fleeing due to criminal crisis. Hearing stories about these children being taken from their parents is heart-breaking. I can’t imagine going above and beyond to provide a better life for my children, only to have them taken from me in America.”
