The United States has been making national headlines for its immigration system’s flaws for several years. The lack of coordination of immigration policies has magnified the current issues. The statistics that have been collected on immigration show a bleak picture of our immigration system as a whole. Due to decisions made by politicians, the U.S. has been in the public eye more often than not in regards to immigration. To create a more beneficial immigration system, it would take a lot of shifts in policies that even those in the highest positions may not be able to achieve.

For example, many immigrants cross into the US each day at the southern border in search of a better life. The current immigration system, however, is inadequate to control the flow of people and ensure that immigrants can effectively assimilate into society. Unfortunately, US federal policies are inadequate and inconsistent and seem to change when a new political party is elected. It is difficult to implement a strong system when the political party in power can change every four years. On the one hand, there have been documented instances of immigrant parents and children being separated at the border. On the other hand, there are also reports of immigrants entering the country unchecked.

The flow of immigrants at the southern border has been a debatable topic for years now. Governor Abbott of Texas has made the immigration controls in his state a main priority during his political career. During his re-election, he was questioned by his opponents, asking why he was not focused on immigration. Abbott then completely changed his political platform towards immigration. When questioned, Abbott claimed he was “not motivated by political pressure” but by what he says was “the federal government’s failure to adequately secure the border.” This brings his decisions into an ethical gray area, with those wondering why the sudden decisions in regards to securing the border. Could it be due to a serious need to try and find solutions or to secure re-election for his fourth term in office?

Another one of Abbott’s decisions that had been called into question was his transport of immigrants from the Texas border. The flow of immigrants at the southern border was so great that Governor Abbott resorted to transporting them to sanctuary states such as NY, MA, and CA because his pleas for a comprehensive federal policy were largely ignored. There has been a public outcry as buses of immigrants arrive in these cities almost daily, with no place for the immigrants to go and no way for them to support themselves. His integrity has been called into question, as his decision to transport immigrants seems to be a political tactic and not one to call for help. Abbott transported around 50 migrants to the backyard of Vice President Harris’ home in Washington, D.C., along with over 100 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard at former President Barack Obama’s residence, without blankets or food. Governor Abbott’s controversial decision to transport immigrants from the Texas border to sanctuary states such as NY, MA, and CA, amid a lack of federal action, has sparked public outcry due to logistical challenges and accusations of political maneuvering, including the transportation of migrants to prominent political figures’ residences without adequate provisions.

There is another governor who has enacted this certain tactic against immigration, but has done so in a truly disturbing manner. The Governor of Florida, Rob DeSantis, also took part in bussing migrants; he escalated this when he dropped over 100 migrants at both Vice President Harris’s house and at former President Obama’s residence in Martha’s Vineyard. However, DeSantis has been entering immigrant safe havens, convincing them to board these planes and buses with promises of help that he never plans on providing. He then drops these migrants off and leaves them much worse than they were before. These tactics have been brought under fire from the Democratic Party, as they are accusing the Republican Party of using the lives of the migrants as pawns in their political game for their own benefit. The Republican Party is not listening to any of these criticisms, stating that “they won’t stop until the Biden administration does something.”

Several of these sanctuary cities have set up temporary housing to help address the influx of immigrants. These shelters, however, are not a viable long-term solution. The majority of families living there cannot work, so they rely on public assistance for food and clothing. In addition, immigrant children are enrolled in schools that are already overcrowded, underfunded, and understaffed. The issue of immigration is likely to be a key topic in November’s US presidential election. This is a topic that should not be ignored and instead be made a central focus.  Campaigns need to be working to develop a solution before the situation gets worse.

The United States, a nation built by immigrants, deserves a comprehensive immigration policy. This approach should prioritize both border security and legal pathways for entry. Political gamesmanship with human lives must end. Let’s create a system that reflects our values and strengthens our country.