Corrupted By Politics, USCIS Questions Current Approach To Immigration Reform

Miami, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 6, 2013 – Debt ceiling and budget issues aside, the current approach to immigration may be missing the vital component of vetting applicants.

“Yes, not vet, is a refrain being heard from the president of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Council (USCIS), Kenneth Palinkas, and oddly enough, no one seems to be listening. No small surprise when it comes to politicians,” added Larry Rifkin, a Miami immigration lawyer and managing partner at Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, with law offices in Miami, Florida and Orlando, Florida. Why is Mr. Palinkas speaking out about passing amnesty and increasing guest workers without someone consulting with the USCIS? Apparently, there are widespread abuses in the system.

The USCIS, which is a union, represents well over 12,000 workers and Mr. Palinkas is suggesting that abuses in their administration need to be addressed before passing immigration reform, and if that does not happen, expect a disaster of some magnitude. Politicians have not bothered to consult with USCIS on the latest compromise offer to attempt to get immigration reform passed – a state of affairs that concerns Palinkas, because they are in charge of processing all non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications, and applications from illegals who would apply if amnesty were granted.

“It appears the mission of USCIS has been corrupted by political shenanigans the people across America are watching every day. No one seems to comprehend that the Obama government has a “get-to-yes” policy when it comes to processing applications, meaning personnel are pressured to approve benefits even in the face of suspected fraud or ineligibility. The main issue is that USCIS workers are told to hit quota and clear applications, not spend time vetting them, a move that means immigration benefits may be going to immigrants not legally eligible to receive them. Which pot is calling the kettle black here?” asked Rifkin, shaking his head is amazement. How far is the government willing to go to get votes?

How can the government say one thing about making illegals, legal when they themselves are already approving ineligible immigrants for benefits they are not entitled to in the first place? Gone are the days of vetting and denying applications. Instead, it appears that most of the applicants get rubber-stamped, and many do not even get complete interviews.

“This is a huge disservice to immigrants, not to mention disrespectful,” added Rifkin. “They come here hoping to become legal and want to adhere to the laws of the country, and right off the bat, the government is putting them between a rock and a hard place by possibly granting them benefits they are not entitled to. And yet the politicians have the nerve to say they do not want criminals and fraudsters admitted. What an ugly conundrum that is.”

Immigrants deserve to be treated with dignity and consideration. They have human rights, just like every American in the nation. This is something that should not be forgotten.