The urgency for comprehensive immigration reform in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities is well demonstrated when we consider the flaws in the current system. Without comprehensive immigration reform, we leave 1.5 million undocumented AAPIs at risk for exploitation; prolong the wait time for reuniting families; allow the due process rights of our community members to take a back seat in the face of deportation-driven enforcement; and ignore the severe lack of services to our immigrant communities.

In a reality where 1.5 million of the 12 million undocumented persons in the United States are AAPI, including one in five Korean Americans, comprehensive immigration reform must ensure a path to legalization. Without a path to legalization we leave hardworking Americans vulnerable to exploitative employers. A workplace that does not hold employees to double standards can only exist when we ensure that all Americans face equal treatment in the workforce and protection under U.S. labor laws. Like other undocumented immigrants, undocumented AAPIs work hard, pay taxes, and strive to learn English. It is time that they come out of the shadows and have the ability to contribute fully to our economy and enrich our society. They know themselves to be Americans and it is time that we duly recognize them as well.  

AAPI families sponsor one-third of all family based immigrants and they know personally the consequences of a broken immigration system. Without comprehensive immigration reform, we are left with a bureaucratic system which prevents families from China, India, and the Philippines from re-uniting for years and possibly decades. These backlogs represent husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters who are separated for way too long. This inefficiency in the family based immigration system often intensifies the problem of illegal immigration. By reuniting loved ones we will strengthen families and communities.  

The deportation of legal permanent residents on account of minor infractions results in many AAPIs being sent to countries which they have never known. Without comprehensive immigration reform which addresses the violation of civil liberties and due process, the broken immigration system will continue to target immigrant communities. Major raids and arrests conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, such as in Pottsville, Iowa, as well as the controversial state of detention centers across the country has furthered demonstrated the need for institutional change.

When we speak of comprehensive immigration reform, we must fully address the state of immigrants in this country. Without comprehensive immigration reform, AAPI’s and other immigrant communities will have to continue to endure broken services which do not meet their needs. Addressing linguistically isolated AAPI communities entails meeting the demand for English language classes, civic education courses, and other programs which would help immigrants integrate into American society. President Obama’s request for $10 million in order to establish an Office of Immigrant Integration signifies a step in the right direction.  By investing in immigrant communities, we can all contribute to the well-being of America.

We ignore the important need for change in the current system if we choose to accept the status quo. Millions of Americans living in the shadows, families kept apart for decades, deportation to unknown countries, and the lack of desperately needed services all speak to the deficiency in the immigration system. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are embedded in an immigration debate which will determine the future well-being of all immigrants in this country and those who wish to enter.  

Arlee Vang

Immigration Policy Research Intern

Hmong National Development, Inc.