How to fix our broken immigration system
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When federal immigration officers surged into Minnesota in January, the results were cataclysmic. But that eruption was enabled by an immigration system that is widely acknowledged to be broken.
The last time the U.S. passed significant immigration reform was in 1986, and presidents and Congress have been trying to change it ever since — with no success. Right now, there’s a bipartisan proposal in the U.S. House known as the Dignity Act that is gaining supporters. It would create a pathway for undocumented individuals to gain legal status, reform legal immigration and do more to secure the border. Is it on the right track?
MPR News host Kerri Miller talks with two immigration experts about how to reform America’s broken immigration system. Polls show eight out of 10 Americans believe immigration is a good thing for the U.S., so what needs to be done to fix it?
Guests:
Juventino Meza is a formerly undocumented, queer immigrant who became one of Minnesota’s first undocumented law school graduates and is now a licensed attorney. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs and on the Policy Committee of the Minnesota Immigrant Law Center.
Laura Collins is the director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute, where she specializes in immigration issues. She is also a former practicing attorney.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.
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