Immigration Reform Should Be a Priority

The presentation of the immigration reform bill represents a hope for thousands of Guatemalans who migrated to the U.S. in search of opportunities. Among the positive aspects of the plant is finally those who have entered the country before Dec. 31, 2011 will be taken into account for citizenship. It is also encouraging to know that 250,000 temporary work visas will be created yearly, since therein lies the biggest challenge for our immigrants: the low chances of getting a decent job.

In spite of the positive aspects of the reform, it is worth noting that a vital topic for our compatriots is dignity. It is about having access to quick justice and respect for their physical and emotional integrity. It is worrying that we hear yearly about Guatemalans who die as a result of aggressions, some even by police and not necessarily border patrol. Let us remember René Pérez, who was assassinated by an agent in Mount Kisco, New York in 2007.

Alongside such an important proposal, the U.S. must make improvements on human rights. Filed before the Senate, the document, which has now become public, details stronger border control, and this week, eight Senators even proposed a draft that requires security guarantees in those areas. In response, pro-immigration organizations and those promoting human rights must be on the watch to make sure that border patrol does not overdo it with those trying to cross the border.

The reform is also an opportunity to remember the call to erase racism, which has been the cause of the death of our compatriots, Pérez among them, on many occasions.

The U.S. faces a big challenge because it cannot deny the power of those living there undocumented; we cannot forget about them either because being an immigrant has many shades to it: It is an opportunity to grow, an example of a fight for livelihood.