Explaining Immigration Categories

In the United States, the Immigration system actually has very few major flaws in it's structure.

The problem is in the execution of it's policy. Delays measured in years, lack of enforcement, corrupt officials inside the system, and a general lackadaisical attitude of those who are supposed to be there to help people.

Some people believe that the system is unfair because it arbitrarily returns "illegal" aliens back to their home country where they are subject to abuse, danger, or even death.

However, there are three categories of the US Immigration code that resolve this issue:

1. Refugee - Those who come here from countries in the midst of a war/revolution, etc... are able to apply for refugee status. This was very common when Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, etc... were suffering from continual fighting. Any person from these countries that arrived in the US were almost automatically granted legal status. The only reason they would not be granted legal status would be if there were proof they had been actively involved in the fighting.

2. Asylum - Any person who arrives on our shore and can provide evidence that they would be subject to abuse or deprivation of civil liberties if they returned home can claim asylum. This can actually be done at the US Embassy in that persons home country, but getting someone out of the home country can be rather tricky. Once again, if reasonable people can determine that abuse or danger would occur if the person were repatriated, that person and their family are granted asylum and legal permanent residency.

3. Familial Abuse - A new category has recently been established which prevents the deportation of people who would be returned to an abusive familial situation.

Thus, those who flee actual danger, are NOT deported and returned to their home country, they are granted the chance to live their lives peacefully in the United States.