CT Forum on Immigration - 11/3/20
I did not expect to find this event as engaging as I did. I really did not know much about the inner workings of the U.S. immigration system before this event. I feel like it really informed me about the lives of the average undocumented immigrant. I have worked with immigrants and refugees in the past and have heard their stories, but I haven't had nearly as many opportunities to hear directly from those who are undocumented. These are people who pay taxes and contribute to the economy, but receive none of the regular benefits of legal immigrants. These are people whos stories are not being heard until very recently.
I feel like current U.S. policy on immigration is very flawed in this way. Many politicians say they want people to come, but they want them to do so legally. However despite this, it is so rarely considered why they come illegally. I think this trend of ignoring the "why" and putting the focus on trying to solve these sorts of problems with surface level solutions like a wall is a serious threat to the function of the U.S. government in all its endeavors. This event showed me how much one can learn from just listening to those who are the topic of your discussions, and I feel very strongly that the U.S. government needs to learn and apply that as well.
I did not expect to find this event as engaging as I did. I really did not know much about the inner workings of the U.S. immigration system before this event. I feel like it really informed me about the lives of the average undocumented immigrant. I have worked with immigrants and refugees in the past and have heard their stories, but I haven't had nearly as many opportunities to hear directly from those who are undocumented. These are people who pay taxes and contribute to the economy, but receive none of the regular benefits of legal immigrants. These are people whos stories are not being heard until very recently.
I feel like current U.S. policy on immigration is very flawed in this way. Many politicians say they want people to come, but they want them to do so legally. However despite this, it is so rarely considered why they come illegally. I think this trend of ignoring the "why" and putting the focus on trying to solve these sorts of problems with surface level solutions like a wall is a serious threat to the function of the U.S. government in all its endeavors. This event showed me how much one can learn from just listening to those who are the topic of your discussions, and I feel very strongly that the U.S. government needs to learn and apply that as well.
