‘Illegal’ is not the word for many immigrants

A recent Daily Herald contained yet another letter from a reader recklessly and incorrectly stigmatizing migrants by stating of them “the word is illegal.” That may be the word, but it does not accurately apply to the thousands of Venezuelans who make up the majority of those who arrived in Chicago and other U.S. cities.

The Biden administration, recognizing the life-threatening conditions faced by many migrants in Venezuela, created a program whereby a migrant could wait in Mexico, apply online for an appointment with border security and then cross at a designated legal entry point for screening. Those people were then screened and most were granted temporary legal status and allowed to enter the country with instructions to report to authorities after arrival. The vast majority did so and then began the process to make their legal status permanent.

The U.S. is signatory to multiple agreements which provide that anyone with a credible fear for their life may present themselves to a border authority and request asylum. The people who are now being subjected to the threats of deportation followed the rules as they were given to them. This administration has now told them they have seven days to leave the country although they have nowhere to go and no means to leave even if they did. Those who had obtained permits to work and have been working legally have now been told those permits have been rescinded.

I would also add that, at present, there is virtually no legal way to immigrate into the United States. Refugees who have been waiting in their countries for months if not years and have been cleared after extensive screenings have now been denied entry by this administration.

Patricia Motto

Elmhurst