Most Americans fail to understand the importance of Immigration reform. The Republican Party is adamant that their denial of the rights of Hispanics will prevent additional Democratic voters, but that is not a valid reason for refusing to solve one of our nation’s greatest problems.

Donald Trump and others may attempt to spread lies and hatred about nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants, but the truth will force action by Congress to find a path for legal residence in the United States.

There is precedence for granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants, and it comes from two past Republican presidents. Both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush granted legal residence to thousands of Hispanics who were living in the United States illegally.

The fact is, we will benefit from offering them legal residence. Their employers will be forced to pay them minimum wage, contribute to social security and Medicare, and provide a safe work environment for all of their employees. Healthcare costs would decrease when they receive benefits and no longer use emergency rooms for medical assistance.

Although some deny the fact that we need these immigrants to perform jobs natural born Americans refuse to accept, this is a fact. Their employers must no longer be allowed to underpay them for their back-breaking work.

Immigration reform is another issue which should not be used for political advantage; this is a human issue of great importance to the future of America.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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