Some international University students are optimistic about the immigration reform proposed Monday, but still feel there is room for improvement.
A bipartisan group of senators proposed an outline for immigration reform Jan. 28 including more border security, trial legal status for illegal immigrants, a program for agricultural workers and permission for skilled and successful workers to earn green cards.
Marcela Laitano, international trade and finance senior from Honduras, said the new immigration provisions will benefit her and other students in similar situations.
“If there weren’t work visas, international students wouldn’t be able to work here, even if they had the opportunity,” Laitano said.
Laitano is the first in her family to study in the U.S. and said her scholarship to the University was one of her greatest motivations to take advantage of the international opportunities.
Even though more visas will be available for students, Laitano said that might not influence a serious influx in international students.
She said it all depends on the family’s personal economic situation.
Director of International Services Natalie Rigby said after graduation, if an international student begins working, his or her student visas only offer a short time period for them to work.
If employers want to hire someone for more time, that person must apply for employment-based permanent residency, or a green card, Rigby said.
“Even though employers are making a large commitment to sponsor their employees, there is no guarantee it will be approved,” Rigby said.
Spanish associate professor Alejandro Cortazar said most Americans agree there needs to be an easier path to legalization, especially for children of workers who were born and brought to the U.S.
“Many of these kids were bought here when they were little. They are more American than anything else,” Cortazar said. “The customs, laws and traditions of this country are their culture, and sending them back to another is like sending them to another world.”
Laitano also said the legislation will have a positive effect on the economy.
“There are a lot of immigrants from Latin American countries that do jobs like agriculture or maintenance that Americans don’t want to do. If it wasn’t for these workers, the economy would be a lot different,” Laitano said. “There are benefits for Latin-American countries, but for the citizens of the U.S. as well.”
Cortazar said this trend is especially exemplified Louisiana.
“Most of the immigrants in Louisiana have come to take over jobs that Louisiana citizens didn’t want to take,” Cortazar said.
Additionally, Cortazar said many migrant workers only come to the U.S. seasonally, but still want to go back to their country of origin.
“They want the flexibility of working legally and making sure they can come back to their native country,” Cortazar said.
Laitano added that not all parts of the immigration reform are perfect, particularly for legal immigrants waiting to become naturalized citizens.
Shortening the wait to five years instead of 10 years would be more convenient and reasonable, she said.
“I know it’s supposed to be fair since Americans were born here, but if immigrants are granted permission to live here, they should also be granted accessibility,“ Laitano said.
Cortazar said the reform is coming at a fortunate time for politicians and citizens.
“At this moment, the Republicans are especially trying to respond to the effects of the last election by trying to reach out more to the Hispanic population,” Cortazar said. “Let’s hope that this time it’s for real. It’s good for the economy and families; everyone can win and this time politicians can also win.”
“If there weren’t work visas, international students wouldn’t be able to work here, even if they had the opportunity.”
