Understanding the Path to Citizenship and Work Permits for Undocumented Aliens in the USA

Do Undocumented Aliens in the USA Have a Chance to Obtain Citizenship or a Work Permit?

Introduction

The terms 'illegal immigrants' and 'undocumented aliens' have historically been used interchangeably, often in a contentious and politically charged context. However, these terms can be misleading and fail to accurately reflect the situation of many people living in the United States.

The Nature of Being an 'Undocumented Alien'

There is no such thing as an 'illegal immigrant' in a legal sense; people are not 'illegal.' Instead, the term 'undocumented alien' is more accurate and more appropriate. Undocumented aliens are individuals who have not obtained legal admission to the United States. Many of these individuals reside here without the appropriate documentation, and for good reason. The process of obtaining legal admission can be both complex and difficult, especially for those in countries where the conditions are suboptimal.

The Complexities of the Legal Process

For 99.9 percent of the world's population, the process of obtaining legal admission to the United States is challenging, if not impossible, due to various factors. Many individuals who come to the United States stay because they have no other viable options, and the US government has often contributed to making their home countries unlivable.

There are various forms of 'undocumented aliens,' including those who are undocumented simply because of errors in paperwork. One such incident involved a US Department of Justice (DOJ) office receiving an entire collection of case files from a California immigration office due to a miscommunication. This incident not only highlighted the inefficiencies within the system but also provided insight into the experiences of individuals caught in bureaucratic mazes.

The Bureaucratic System and Its Challenges

My experience at the DOJ in Washington, DC, provided a unique vantage point from which to observe the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). What I discovered was that the system was often unimpressive, riddled with inefficiencies and corruption. For instance, some USCIS employees were known to demand payments to ensure the expediting of cases, with the going rate reportedly being around $25,000 in small bills. This issue has persisted, with the rates likely increasing over the years.

The corruption and graft within the system pose significant challenges for individuals seeking lawful status. The process of obtaining a work permit, for example, is fraught with obstacles. Despite these challenges, it is important to note that individuals who are here legally can, and do, obtain work permits and even citizenship, albeit through a long and often arduous process. Citizenship comes with certain rights, such as the ability to vote in local elections, though full citizenship rights are only granted upon naturalization. Work permits, on the other hand, open up employment opportunities but do not always ensure fair treatment by employers.

Employment and the Regulatory Environment

Interestingly, those who are undocumented can sometimes find work in various sectors, such as construction, hospitality, agriculture, and maintenance. While the government’s strict policies against hiring undocumented workers are not always enforced, this enforcement gap can create a 'gray' market where employers may exploit the situation for their benefit. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration regulations and the moral implications of employers who engage in such practices.

Conclusion

The issue of undocumented aliens in the United States is complex and far from cut-and-dried. While the bureaucratic system can be flawed and the regulatory environment can be criticized for its lack of consistency, it is important to recognize the humanity and challenges faced by those who may be 'undocumented.'

The path to citizenship or a work permit is riddled with these challenges, and a more comprehensive, compassionate approach is needed to address these issues.