Is the Proposed Immigration Fence a Realistic Solution?

As part of the federal government’s proposed immigration reform, there is a proposal in the works which would build almost 2,000 miles of 18-ft. high steel-columned fence on the border at a price tag of $3.9 million per mile. Although a portion of the fence already exists, the project is stalled out, largely because the majority of the Texas land is privately owned farmland. The areas along the New Mexico, Arizona and California border were largely already publicly owned so there have been few of the condemnation lawsuits seen in Texas—which have been ongoing since 2008. Many Texas land owners as well as political representatives are opposed to the fence largely because there is little proof that it would actually work. Many Texans believe an increase in border patrol agencies is a better answer than building a fence which would cost millions and eliminate significant chunks of Texas farmlands.

The state of Texas has over two million undocumented immigrants and a 1,200 mile border with Mexico meaning they have more at stake than most other states in the race to overhaul the national immigration system. Minorities accounted for almost nine out of ten new Texas residents over the past decade and such a huge demographic shift could totally transform the state’s largely Republican political system currently in place.  Approximately 16 percent of all undocumented immigrants in the United States reside in Texas meaning the infrastructure of the state is greatly impacted by immigration. While it is clear that the issue of immigration is likely to be discussed among politicians and citizens alike for a long time to come, those who desire citizenship in the United States need help from an experienced Houston immigration lawyer in order to make those dreams come true.

The Difficulties Inherent in Immigration Law

Immigration law can be as complex and difficult to navigate as tax law. Even so, no matter how difficult your immigration case may seem, if you have a desire to become a U.S. citizen with all the benefits and responsibilities that entails, then that goal is worthwhile. If your immigration status is currently in jeopardy, you may be anxious and extremely stressed and may even be fearful of being deported and taken away from your family. If the immigration procedure is not followed exactly to the letter, the outcome can be much less than positive. There are tight deadlines for immigration applications, petitions and appeals and any delay at all could put an end to your immigration goals. You may want to obtain a green card, then become a U.S. citizen. These steps will allow you to work freely and legally in the U.S. With citizenship you can attend college, open your own business, purchase a home and, perhaps most importantly, gain freedom from fear of a potential arrest.

Seeking Help in Various Immigration Areas

An experienced Houston immigration attorney will be able to assist you with a variety of issues including deportation, citizenship and naturalization, employment-based immigration, removal of conditional residency, obtaining a green card through a family member or marriage, replacing a lost or stolen green card, obtaining a provisional waiver or deferred action for childhood arrivals. When you obtain qualified legal help, you are well on your way to the freedom citizenship will bring.

Can a Houston Immigration Lawyer Help You Gain Citizenship?

Congress may be headed home for their annual August recess, but the American public expects them to resume contemplating immigration reform as soon as they return in September. There are strong feelings among Americans regarding immigration. Members of Congress are hearing from business owners, labor and law enforcement leaders and the general public demanding legislation which will fix our broken immigration system by offering a fair path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing in the U.S.

Part of the immigration reform bill includes building a 2,000 mile fence consisting of 18 ft. steel columns all along the Mexican-American border. This border land is largely public in New Mexico, Arizona and California and stretches of the fence already exist in those states, however Texas is another matter. The vast majority of the land the federal government plans to build the border fence across belongs to private individuals—largely farmers. Understandably, these landowners are not happy about having the federal government take their land under condemnation laws. In fact, lawsuits regarding the issue have been ongoing in Texas courts since 2008. Many Texans—and those across the nation—believe the proposed fence is hardly a “fix” to the immigration problem therefore are opposed to the $3.9 million per mile price tag.

Fixing the Current Immigration Laws

There are many areas of the current immigration laws which are ambiguous, to say the least. The laws are also incredibly complex, making it extremely difficult for the average person to properly file all paperwork within the time limits mandated. The filing fees can also be steep for those who are working for less than minimum wage. Texas, perhaps more than any other state, has much at stake in the immigration debate. It is estimated that Texas currently has over 4.2 million immigrants living and working in the state, making up 22 percent of the total labor force. In fact, in the past decade, nine out of every ten new residents in the state fell into a minority category. Since Texas economy grew nearly twice as much as that of the rest of the country, it can be concluded that immigrants had much to do with this growth.

Help for Those Seeking Legal Citizenship

Former president George W. Bush stated in a recent immigration ceremony that “Each generation of Americans—of immigrants—brings a renewal to our national character and adds vitality to our culture…” Immigrants who become citizens of the U.S. will, on average, increase their annual incomes by about 11% while those who learn the English language will add about 15% to their annual income. Undocumented immigrants deserve a fair path to citizenship in order to take part in everything the nation offers. While feelings are strong regarding immigration reform and the end result of the proposed immigration bill is as yet unknown, those who have lived under a cloud as an undocumented immigrant could benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable Houston immigration attorney. There are many ways to gain legal citizenship, however having an attorney guide you through the complex process can make it truly possible.