Why Immigrant Advocates Should Join The War Against Smuggling

Many pro-immigrant advocates are enthusiastic about the chances for reform under Joe Biden. But there is an elephant in the house which must be addressed.

Smugglers.

Barely 60 days into reform discussions, the actions of smugglers are once more opening doors for the hijacking of political policy.

Over my 20+ years as an immigration attorney, I have seen several false starts on reform.

Often, these failures have been the result of a public fear of open borders.

Similarly, current efforts could turn on whether the Biden Administration can win the newest propaganda war being waged by smuggling rings.

How Misinformation Distorts Congressional Reform Discusssions And Debate

The war started shortly after Biden’s inauguration.

CNN reported Central American migrants have again become victims of false information provided by smugglers.

They were being told to travel to various locations along the U.S. – Mexico border. On specific dates, they would be able to present themselves to Border Patrol officers.

The officers would allow them to enter the U.S. through the port of entry at these locations.

Of course, that’s pure hogwash.

Unless such misinformation can be nipped in the bud, it carries the seeds of undermining Congressional reform discussions.

Since that early report, more horror stories about smugglers have emerged.

Yet, many reform advocates ignore the significance of taking down smuggling rings.

This issue can no longer be minimized.

Since the days of the Reagan Administration, it has been transparent that reform has two distinct components.

• Immigrants who live outside the U.S. wanting to enter for various reasons.

• Immigrants who live inside the U.S. wanting to legalize their status.

These are two different immigration concerns, requiring two different sets of solutions.

(This is not intended to imply that fixing our broken visa system would not help both groups of individuals. Rather, they pose varied political issues in need of resolution.)

Yet, in the public discourse, they are too often lumped together.

That’s the rub – when it comes to immigration reform.

To win the hearts of the American public, a clear distinction is needed.

Southwest Border issues must be separated from matters about undocumented immigrants living in the United States.

Or else reform has little chance of obtaining the support of congressional members lukewarm to creating new pathways to permanent residence.

The longer smugglers run amok, the longer xenophobic opponents can stymie reform discussions.

Within this context, attempts at genuine give-and-take compromise on proposals are rendered hopeless.

In other words, the activities of smugglers and political backlash go hand-in-hand.

Two Sides Of The Same Coin: Smugglers And Immigrant Fraud Hucksters

From the outset of the vast Central American influx at U.S. borders, I suspected foul play.

I questioned how the efficiency and coordination of smuggling rings came to be.

Across the long and dangerous journeys from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, there exists an organizational element that transcends mere happenstance assistance.

Are there bad faith actors from the United States involved with subsidizing or systematizing smuggling activities?

For as immigration officials note, smuggling is a multi-billion dollar transnational business.

They take advantage of desperate individuals seeking nothing better than a better life in the United States.

Individuals who live in countries with low wages, lack of jobs, persistent poverty, coupled with widespread violence and corruption.

It’s a money business for smugglers – plain and simple – that relies on misleading immigrants about their chances for successful entry to the U.S.

The latest round of misinformation by smugglers is not a new phenomenon – it’s simply a new pitch.

This is why all of us who care about the plight of immigrants need to take a stance against smuggling rings.

A strong stance.

To the extent immigration success is conditioned on winning a propaganda battle, we must confront and condemn smugglers. Or we invite criticism from many who would otherwise be our political allies.

I have colleagues who claim I suggest a pipe dream.

I have colleagues who suggest there are good smugglers.

They’re wrong.

Defeating Smugglers Is Crucial To Long Term Success For Immigrants Here And Abroad

Even if totally defeating smuggling rings is impossible, we need to minimize their influence on the immigration process.

We need to educate immigrants who would be tempted to accept their false promises hook, line, and sinker.

We need to encourage family members on this side of the border to disentangle their foreign relatives from enabling smugglers.

This might be tough news to some who are inclined to pursue short-term measures for family unification.

Nonetheless, we need to do what is best for immigration reform in the big picture, in the long term.

Such an approach, and only such an approach, will truly improve the posture of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.

Much of the political noise generated by reform opponents will be quelched.

And by improving the situation of immigrants in the U.S., we will be able to enhance the legalization pathways for their relatives living abroad.

By Carlos Batara

Ready to take a serious and honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of your immigration case? Let’s get started with a personalized strategy and planning session . . .