My New issue brief topic will be in regards to the implementation of policy that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented citizens already living and working in the United States. I believe that this topic fits the criteria for exigence, and has fit the criteria for years. Border States like New Mexico and Texas are heavily populated with undocumented citizens, most of which living in fear while contributing to our nation. The rhetorical situation of this issue is at an all time high as the transition of power from the Trump administration to the Biden administration means there will be an influx of policy changes on the border yet again. An increased focus on the Mexican-American border is a terrible reality that undocumented immigrants must face, and it will make their lives harder until there is concrete policy change.
In my issue brief I will focus primarily on the integration of undocumented immigrants living and working in Southern Border states and cities. It is undoubtedly true that undocumented citizens live all across the United States, providing essential work and contributing to our country. Focusing primarily on the situation near the border will help me consolidate my argument and speak in regards to the situation that is the center of focus. I believe that Biden’s plan to provide an avenue towards citizenship for these people who are living and working underground can be achieved through inducement system changes, ultimately leading to the formation of capacity builders. The plan requires individuals seeking citizenship to complete a comprehensive background check and provide tax records. These requirements encourage positive contribution for those seeking citizenship. There are many policies in place in border cities like El Paso to protect undocumented citizens from the federal government. Systematic Changes in regards to deportation and detaination can make the federal government allies of these border cities, allowing them both to work in conjunction to fairly and efficiently deal with undocumented immigrants. There is hope that systematic changes that provide a path to citizenship for undocumented citizens will reverse the longstanding stigma that views undocumented immigrants as completely detrimental to the United States.
I think your new policy proposal is a much better fit for an issue brief topic. However, who is your audience going to be? Are you targeting the policy towards local/state/federal legislative bodies? You talk about border states, will your policy be tailored to them?
Immigration and deportation is controlled primarily by the US federal government. Because of this my audience will have to be somewhat large, pertaining to federal legislature. I hope to use the situation on the Southern Border in particular to provide specific examples about the need for an avenue to citizenship.
I agree that this is an important topic. I think it will be easier for you to write an issue brief with this information.
I think this idea is great! The system is definitely at fault here, and I like your idea of making the government an ally to immigrants rather than an over-policing body. I am excited to read more.