Chile Earthquake Relief

DALLAS, Texas – Since its independence, the United States of America has been a light in the world, a beacon of hope that every human being has the right to find his or her happiness and build for themselves a better future.

History of the United States
The United States has always been a symbol of hope to the world of a brighter future. For more than 200 years since its foundation, it has been a country of laws that respects the rights of its citizens, that affords liberty and the promise of happiness to each person who desires to live a life of happiness. The U.S. is a country that today is estimated to have a population of over 300 million. It is a country that offers every one of its citizens the promises of the founding fathers intended for the pursuit and achievement of the “American dream” a promise of a life of happiness, peace, and tranquility.

The culture of the United States is unique in the world because it is a wide melting pot of cultures, nationalities, and customs. However some have forgotten the past and today oppose immigration reform so that millions of immigrants can legalize their immigration status and help to contribute to the culture, economy, and society of this nation.

Each day we hear even more loudly the thunderous rhetoric of political ideologies that favor nationalism and blind isolationism fueled by racism, ignorance of history, and pride which is taking this society to a dangerous precipice to the brink of forgetting the foundational principles of this country. Many people who reside legally in the United States oppose immigration reform. People who oppose immigration reform forget the lessons of history that the United States is a country founded by immigrants, a country of wealth and opportunities created by the hard work and contribution of millions of immigrants who have contributed to the development of this country.

Controversy: TPS – Temporary Protected Status
The United States, through its designated agency the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) has the authority under the law to grant what is commonly known as Temporary Protected Status. The USCIS grants TPS in special circumstances to citizens of a foreign nation when their country has encountered an emergency or crisis situation.

The laws that define the conditions on when to extend TPS clearly show that a country must have suffered a major catastrophe such as an earthquake, or a major conflict such as war.  The government of the United States recognizes that in a moment of crisis a foreign government may have difficulties in meeting the needs of all its citizens. The U.S. also recognizes that deporting thousands of immigrants who may be here in the U.S. illegally back to their country in the middle of a crisis is a morally unjust act. Temporary Protected Status is a reprieve under the law that is compassionate and allows those beneficiaries to obtain legal work authorization to stay and work in the United States and also allow them to travel back to their country of origin if necessary with travel authorization.

TPS is not a visa to travel to the United States, it is not a permanent residency lottery program, and it is not a promise or guarantee of residency or naturalization and citizenship.  TPS is a law of the United States and does not apply to a foreign government; it only applies to the citizens of a foreign nation who may be residing within the United States.

Receiving foreign help is not an impediment to the external political, economic, or social standing of any government before the world community of nations. Unfortunately, some people believe that TPS granted to their country of origin would reflect negatively on their country’s position politically, economically, and socially before the world community of nations. They consider of greater importance the “innuendo” of politics of the international community of nations than the suffering of their own countrymen who are struggling to provide a better future for their families and who are here without legal immigration status. It is easy to criticize without living the harsh realities of being in this country without a legal immigration status.

TPS as a matter of law, as a U.S. law, does not impose any compromise or obligation upon a foreign government in any political, economic, or social level. TPS is a law of compassion, of mercy, and only depends on the legal principles of this country. The granting of TPS is a matter of internal U.S. politics and only the people and government of the United States should have a say in who and how TPS is granted.

Personal thoughts
Why do I feel at liberty of speaking passionately for the case of granting TPS for Chile? As a United States citizen I believe my country should rise once again and demonstrate its generosity, compassion, and brotherly support with the people of Chile. There are many Chileans in this country suffering at this time and they need the ability to work legally to help support their families here and abroad in Chile who are suffering as a result of the devastating earthquake of February 27.

Not every citizen of Chile living today in the U.S. is in need of the TPS protections, however many do need this reprieve. Recently the United States granted TPS to the country of Haiti after the devastating earthquake in January of this year. I am in favor and fully support the decision by the United States to grant TPS status to El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti.

We live in the United States, a country where freedom of speech is respected. We should respect every idea even those who would be motivated by political ideology and may be opposed to our point of view. If you want to participate, please get involved in this dialog and if you wish support the granting of TPS for countries that may need this reprieve.

I respect other points of view and opinions. We can have a respectful, sincere, and direct dialog. I extend an invitation to share your points of view. Thank you in advance for respecting my point of view even though you may not share it.