I had no idea that’s how an asylum claim worked; I think I always assumed it was a very rare process.
I would be in favor of a system where anyone who wants residency in the USA can apply, and as long as they pass a background check, be immediately granted temporary residency and a work permit; it should be a short process, and it should be free. As long as they can show proof over a period of time (maybe a year or so) that they are gainfully employed and have not committed a crime, give them permanent residency and a path to citizenship. Part of the problem we have with immigration is that it’s so inaccessible and it forces people into an environment where even if they want to contribute to society, they’re not allowed to work. I strongly believe that whether someone jumps the border, claims asylum or overstays a visitors visa, most of them aren’t looking for a handout. They’re looking for what they believe will be a better life than the one they came from.
Despite the problems we have as a country, I have always been patriotic and unashamed to admit it; I love it here. I also recognize that being an American has nothing to do with your ethnic background, political views, nation of origin, or any other demographic. If someone decides that they want to leave everything they know, move to a new country, contribute to our society, and be a part of our culture, let them! Those are exactly the kind of people that built our country, and those are exactly the kind of people we need today. The crusty old policy-makers who have forgotten that are the source of most of the issues we’re dealing with now.