- Pathway to Citizenship for Dreamers:
Grant citizenship to individuals meeting strict criteria, including:
Residency in the U.S. since a specific cutoff date.
Clean criminal record.
Demonstrated contributions to society (e.g., education, employment, military service).
Establish a firm cutoff date, after which no undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. illegally are eligible for citizenship under similar circumstances.
- End of Automatic Birthright Citizenship:
Modify birthright citizenship laws to align with this principle:
Citizenship is granted only if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
This change would discourage illegal entry while maintaining fairness for children of legal residents.
- Stronger Border and Immigration Controls:
Increase border security measures to prevent unauthorized crossings.
Implement efficient and humane methods for managing immigration, including enhanced use of technology.
- Streamlined Legal Immigration System:
Reform legal immigration processes to address labor market needs, family reunification, and humanitarian concerns.
Reduce backlogs and wait times for lawful applicants.
- Humanitarian Considerations:
Ensure fair treatment for individuals seeking asylum, consistent with international law.
Maintain protections for vulnerable populations while discouraging exploitation of the system.
- Public Awareness Campaign:
Educate communities about the new policies and their long-term objectives.
Emphasize that unauthorized entry will no longer lead to pathways for citizenship under the revised laws.
Implementation Timeline and Challenges
Cutoff Dates and Transitional Periods: Set clear deadlines for when new policies take effect, ensuring transparency.
Legal Challenges: Anticipate court rulings on changes to birthright citizenship, as it involves interpreting the 14th Amendment.
Bipartisan Collaboration: Build consensus to ensure enduring support for the reforms.