When I arrived in the United States, I believed I was stepping into the land of liberty — a place where dignity and safety weren’t merely lofty ideals but lived realities. I clung to that promise. Yet, as I settled into life here, I quickly discovered that America’s immigration system, with its labyrinthine procedures and mounting delays, often fails the very people who have entrusted their dreams to it.

Immigration reform is not just a policy debate; human lives are at stake. Today, more than 1.3 million people are mired in asylum backlogs, with some waiting five to 10 years for a decision. These delays are not simply bureaucratic hiccups. They are life-altering barriers that fracture families, stall careers, and strip individuals of the dignity they fought to preserve in their homelands.

Consider the story of a refugee, Maria. After fleeing relentless violence and persecution in her home country, Maria arrived in the United States with little more than hope and determination. Instead of finding sanctuary, she spent nearly seven agonizing years in a detention facility, separated from her two young children. Her story is emblematic of a system that forces vulnerable individuals to endure unnecessary suffering because of an outdated and convoluted legal framework.

We need a system that embodies both order and compassion. A reformed immigration process should streamline asylum adjudication, modernize visa protocols, and offer protections for undocumented youth — such temporary protection from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. Such reforms are not giveaways; they are necessary steps toward rectifying a system that turns human beings into mere statistics. Data from the Pew Research Center shows that immigrants contribute significantly to the economy, filling essential roles in sectors ranging from technology and agriculture to healthcare and education. By harnessing immigration’s potential, America will not only honor its founding promise, but also spur innovation and economic growth.

Critics often argue that immigration reform will lead to unchecked illegal immigration or strain public resources. They claim that tightening security is the only way to safeguard American interests. Yet we must remember that our current system, marked by interminable backlogs and uncertainty, only breeds more insecurity. When people are forced into the shadows of uncertainty, desperation often becomes the only option.. A reformed immigration process would not only protect our borders but also empower communities by giving lawful residents a clearer status and a real stake in the nation’s future, reducing exploitation and reinforcing the rule of law.

Furthermore, some opponents insist that the country simply cannot absorb every person who seeks shelter. While it is true that no nation has an unlimited capacity for immigrants, this debate misses the point. Immigration is not completely about open borders in the literal sense; it is about open eyes — eyes that recognize the suffering of those who seek refuge and the potential they carry. By reforming our system, we can provide a controlled, secure, and fair pathway that benefits both immigrants and the nation at large.

The idea of reform over controversial issues is not without precedent. The 1993 Brady Bill, which imposed a waiting period of 5 days before a handgun could be distributed, was once fiercely opposed by gun rights advocates, but eventually garnered bipartisan support in 1993 because it addressed America’s clear need for gun safety in a rational, evidence-based manner. If we can rally our nation to start introducing sensible gun legislation that respects our rights while protecting lives, we can also craft immigration laws that balance security with compassion. It is time to view immigrants not as burdens but as vital contributors to the nation’s future.

The call for reform is also rooted in America’s very identity. Former President Ronald Reagan once declared, “America is a shining city upon a hill.” If that vision still inspires us today, then its light must reach every corner of our society — even those dimmed by neglect and inefficiency. The reform we seek is not about diminishing security; it is about restoring our commitment to justice, opportunity, and the sanctity of human dignity.

Ultimately, immigration reform is about people — about mothers and fathers, about children whose futures are shrouded in uncertainty, and about communities that thrive on diversity and inclusion. It is a call to align our laws with the enduring ideals that have made America a beacon of hope for generations. We must reject the false dichotomy that pits security against compassion and instead embrace a vision where both coexist to strengthen our society.

Our nation’s promise of liberty and justice for all is at stake. Now is the time to act. By doing so, we can ensure that the light of freedom and opportunity shines on every individual who dares to dream of a better life.

Charles Tufenkji '28

A Promise Deferred: The Moral Case for Immigration Reform