On The Issues...

I've had recent conversations with family and friends that went a little something like this:

"Yeah, I'm just not going to vote. It won't really make a difference."

"I don't like what either candidate is saying. I don't like either so I'm just staying out of it."

I can't say I haven't felt like this in recent days to some extent, but let me tell you why I will vote and why you should too.

In a recent aticle from a national news affiliate, the author asked the question "why vote?"  His answer was clear.

"Because in America, that is the way we change things. That is the way we reform the system. That is the way we guard against the threats to our liberties and exercise our responsibilities. That is the way that we keep America free."Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/11/02/peter-roff-vote-change-reform-candidates-elections-congress-oval-office-george/#ixzz259HINyRg

Isn't that the truth though?  Change can be good or bad, but change is inherently American. Is it not? Our entire government system is set up just TO change.

As Americans, we have the opportunity to research and get to know the candidates. Do you know where each stands on the issues? Or do you know what the news media says about each candidate?  Because I've chosen to focus my writing on matters related to immigration, below you wll find information on each candidate and their views on immigration in the United States.  While I know this isn't the only important issue to consider, it's an important one that impacts the future of our great nation.

President Obama's Position on ImmigrationThe President plans to create a 21st century immigration system by: Continuing to fulfill the federal government’s responsibility to securing our borders; Demanding accountability for businesses that break the law by undermining American workers and exploiting undocumented workers;  Strengthening our economic competiveness by creating a legal immigration system that reflects our values and diverse needs; and Requiring responsibility from people who are living in the United States illegally.http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/fixing-immigration-system-america-s-21st-century-economy

Mitt Romney's Position on Immigration
Govenor Romney's goal is to grow legal immigration to grow our economy by attracting more highly skilled immigrants; make the temporary work visa system functional; securing our borders and discourage illegal immgration by enforcing the law.  He sees cutting the red tape that is keeping families apart as important, as well as opening pathways to residency for those serving in the armed forces.  He will address the topic of illegal immigraiton in the U.S. in a manner that respects the rule of law. http://www.mittromney.com/issues/immigration

Ron Paul's Position on Immigration
Enforce Border Security; No Amnesty; Abolish the Welfare State; End Birthright Citizenship; Protect Lawful Immigrants. http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/immigration/

Gary Johnson's Position on Immigration
Gary Johnson states that America is a land of immigrants. Legal immigration should focus on making it easier and simpler for willing workers to come here with a temporary work visa, pay taxes, contribute to society, and fill jobs as the market demands.  As the former governor of a southern border state, he believes fences and walls do not keep out illegal immigrants. Real border security means knowing who is coming here and why.  With workable employer verification systems, smarter border enforcement, and common sense, a national problem can be turned into a national benefit http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/issues/immigration

There is so much more to this. I've included links to each candidate's page on the issues. Do your research and see for yourself.  We may not agree on the solution to the broken immigration, and that's ok. But I do know this, if we don't vote we can't complain about that which we did not take part.  So ask yourself after reading each candidate's stance on the issues (not just about immigration): Is it fair, fact-based, and contributes to a shared future?  Click Here to Register to Vote or Click Here to learn more!

Today Is A Big Day

To most, August 15th may not be a significant date on the calender.  It's a Wednesday.  A slightly gloomy Wednesday in my city because of the fog this morning.  My work day hasn't really changed at all because it is August 15th.  Same amount of email, same amount of students, same co-workers, same office.  Chances are, I, along with many other Americans, will look back on August 15, 2012 and not have a vivid memory of today's events.  There is nothing wrong with this, really.  We live in a time where our lives are so busy we forget the world around us.  This isn't always a terrible thing, but today I'd like to share a different perspective.

To some living in the U.S., August 15, 2012 is a very important date.  It is a day that many have been wondering if they would ever see.  It's not a gloomy day full of fog for some.  There are no worries about changes at work or co-workers.  Today is a day of hope for these.  You may know why....you may not.

60 days ago, a recent step taken by the current administration to create a "deferred action process for young people who are low enforcement priorities."  While controversial to say the least, a step-a real one-was taken.  What does this mean for the "young people" mentioned? Here's some information to know:

"Effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own as young children and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or entered into removal proceedings. Those who demonstrate that they meet the criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal." -Department of Homeland Security: Deferred Action Process

As of today, this is the new policy. The reason August 15, 2012 is such an important date is because of the hope given to those who, without this policy, would not have a chance to contribute academically, economically, and just plain whole-heartedly to the United States.

It is important to remember what this process and policy is NOT. 

1. This is NOT amnesty for undocumented children.
2. This is NOT a pathway to residency.
3. This is NOT an easy and inexpensive process.
4. This is NOT a way to "catch all the illegals."
5. This is NOT a solution to the problem of the broken immigration system in the U.S.

It is, however......a step.  A big step....in the right direction.

For more information:  Read here-http://www.dhs.gov/deferred-action-process