Why would anyone illegally in this country like and participate in the president's new change in immigration policy? It is an ICE bull's-eye on an undocumented immigrant's back -- and could convert that so-called dream into a giant nightmare.
Think about this:
Under the president's new immigration policy, those here illegally, but who came here before age 16 and are younger than 30 (and meet certain other qualifications) may sign up and get work permits. That might sound good... but think deeper. The president's new policy is a TEMPORARY PROGRAM -- a TWO YEAR PROGRAM. (Yes, it could be extended but right now it is only a two-year protection from deportation.)
To get that work permit, the person here illegally would have to admit being here illegally (why else would the person need a work permit?) and provide all sorts of personal info (e.g. where to find the person!) In other words, the person would be putting a big target on his or her back for ICE deportation in two years when the program expires (if not extended.)
What person here illegally (and in his right mind), will go to the government, announce being here illegally (e.g. plead guilty), provide all sorts of information as to where that person lives etc. to get a work permit only to be a target for deportation in two years? Or, perhaps sooner if Governor Romney is elected and he decides to cancel the temporary program? Answer: no one.
People here illegally are not looking for ways to identify themselves to the government for a temporary program. The president's new immigration policy will be rationally perceived as simply bait for ICE, and not some great dream.
Ask yourself, do you trust our government? Do you trust our government to be consistent or to prolong any given policy? If the answer is no, why would someone here illegally -- and fears our government -- be any different from you and trust our government?
This defect in the president's program speaks to the political nature of his temporary policy change. It gets him through the election. It certainly is not leadership to handle a national problem of illegal immigration. Everyone knows this is a difficult problem -- and it is complicated. But we expect our leaders to solve problems (or at least try) -- not play us.
Am I wrong?