Why Don’t “They” Come Here Legally?
Many opponents of undocumented immigration claim that “they should get in line like everyone else.” Dianne Solis reminds us why Mexicans and other immigrants do not just get in line for their green cards so they can later apply for citizenship. For many, there either is no line or no realistic line.
You need a green card. And they’re hard to get.
It takes years to get some green cards — if they are available. Why does it take so long?
What countries have the longest wait times? Some of the visa categories have waits of decades for Mexican immigrants.
Why so long for Mexicans? Migration from any one country in any one country are limited. Iceland has the same limit as Mexico. The more immigrants who come from a country, the longer the wait.
Can an unauthorized immigrant already living in the U.S. apply for legal permanent residency? Not so easily.
Are there efforts afoot to limit legal immigration? The RAISE Act seeks to reduce immigration by one-half.
KJ