By snoadmin
The metaphorical fence surrounding our nation was shortened Friday following President Barack Obama’s announcement on immigration.
The Obama administration announced that illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children will be spared of deportation.
These young undocumented immigrants need to be enrolled in school or in the military and must not have committed any serious crimes.
This policy shift will change the lives of nearly 800,000 immigrants, as well as the face of the upcoming presidential election.
Critics of Obama are crying that this new immigration law is part of Obama’s campaign strategy.
It is hard to argue otherwise based upon its timing and prominence.
In the U.S., Latinos make up a majority of illegal immigrants.
With Latinos making up nine percent of the electorate in 2008, this decision can viewed as a tactic to sway Latino voters.
However, why would Obama try to win over Latino voters if he already has their support?
Two out of three Latinos voted Democrat in the past presidential election.
Obama seems to have a firm grasp on the Latino voters already.
With this in mind, Obama may have alternative motives when it came to this decision.
During the Republican primaries, the GOP candidates fell far right on many issues.
Throughout their campaigns, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum all held onto their conservative ideals strongly.
This has given Obama room to make more liberal decisions to counter the declarations of his opponents.
Obama’s first term was characterized by too much compromise and too little action.
The primaries have demonstrated an all-time high in party polarization, giving Obama wiggle room to make more liberal decisions. These were probably the decisions he wanted to make earlier in his term.
For now, this is probably where the immigration ball stops rolling.
It is hard to imagine Republicans letting Obama surf the immigration wave any further as the election nears.
Essentially, Obama’s decision shows compassion for young illegal immigrants who didn’t have a say when their family moved here.
Instead of punishing young people by deporting them, Obama is instead giving them a chance to make a difference in this country.
By granting them permits so they can work legally, it gives illegal immigrants a chance to contribute.
We have made an investment by educating these kids through high school. Now these kids have a chance to give America a return on its investment.
Some may pursue higher education and lawfully attain better-paying jobs and eventually pay taxes.
Whether or not this is a political ploy, an act of compassion or all apart of the liberal agenda, this decision is going to have a major impact on many young peoples’ lives.
Whatever the motivation, Obama has allowed for young illegal immigrants to have a chance to give back to a society that has given so much to them.
They should seize this moment and live the American Dream.
