1. By Taz (Westchester Square Innovator)

2. As my blog post had said, Immigration Reform are the changes a nation makes to its immigration policies.  The US immigration population has doubled since the 60’s but still remains high.  The past decade has brought a 31.2% increase in the foreign-born population.

3. So what is my project about? Well, there has been some issues with Immigration Reform in the past couple years that I would like to discuss and give my opinion on:  In 2013, the government failed to pass Immigrant Reform policies on working rights and pathways to citizenship. This led to protests on Labour Day  Recently, President Obama pushed for actions regarding benefits and deportation ease for undocumented and illegal immigrants. A federal court ruled against him. In addition I will give my opinion on Immigration Reform itself.

4. When the House Of Representatives did not pass the acts for citizenship and working rights, I feel personally that it was no right. This was because there are many people working hard and raising there families but do not get fair treatment at there workplaces. I feel that the protests that took place were the best ways to deal with this issue. August 1, 2013 protesters gather in Washington to protest the House of Representatives failure to pass bills for working rights and citizenship (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

5. President Obama’s acts for immigration has stirred up a lot of controversy. He plans to make acts for benefit programs for undocumented immigrants and ease deportation. I agree with the federal court that ruled against him. This is because of the following:  Attorney General Ken Paxton states, “Telling illegal aliens that they are now lawfully present in this country, and awarding them valuable government benefits, is a drastic change in immigration policy. The President's attempt to do this by himself, without a law passed by Congress and without any input from the states, is a remarkable violation of the U.S Constitution and laws.”  There are many people in other countries who are really working hard to live in this country, but can’t because the undocumented immigrants take there place.  Some of the illegal immigrants are doing bad things making crime rates go up.  It isn’t fair to legal immigrants who are thriving to survive here.

6. I was lucky enough to interview two immigrants immigrants from Honduras and Hungary. I found them to be very interesting individuals. I learned many things about their culture and their personalities.

7. Dasnny Mejia (mee-aah) is 13 years-old. She is in my 8 th grade class. In Spanish class we immediately began our friendship. She is from the Central American country Honduras. Her family is from the capital city Tegucigalpa. From her words, “Honduras is a good country. Our president helps the poor and we have a variety of cuisines.” I asked her about why she came and she replied, “In America I came for a better future (education). There are more opportunities here. It’s a great place to be.” She has been here for 3 months. Dasnny is a spontaneous, funny, athletic, and fun- loving girl. She may be petite, but she is Messi on the soccer field.

8. Attila Czutor (tu-tor) is 24 years-old. He is from the European country, Hungary. His family is from the capital city, Budapest. We became friends in the library. He has been here for 2 months. According to Attila, ”Hungary is a small country with a population of 10 million. We are home to many famous places and museums.” He came here because, “I wanted the experience and meet new people. I Also came to help my grandmother. There is always something new to learn.” Attila is a funny, unique, and kind man.

9. Throughout this project, I’ve had a new perspective on immigration. I come from a family of immigrants. So far, Immigration Reform has its ups and downs. I feel that the President and Government should take proper action in fixing the immigration system in the best way possible. In addition we as a people should try to help and welcome new immigrants to the country. Thank you

10.  Source 1: American Progress https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immi gration/report/2014/10/23/59040/the-facts-on- immigration-today-3/  Source 2: CNN http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/26/politics/oba ma-immigration-texas-federal-appeals- court/index.html  Source 3: USA Immigration Reform http://www.usaimmigrationreform.org/