Immigration Reform

N. Peter Antone
Special to the Chaldean News

Many online commentators label undocumented immigrants as “criminals.” To them, the label alone seems enough to pass judgment and shut down empathy. Phrases like “What part of illegal do you not understand?” are used to justify a hardline stance. Perhaps it’s a way to ease their conscience—convincing themselves that the “other side” is too morally flawed to deserve humane treatment.

Let’s be clear: Congress has designated entering the U.S. without inspection as a misdemeanor—a relatively minor offense. Misdemeanors typically carry penalties like small fines or short jail time (often less than three months), and in many cases, no jail time at all.

There are countless misdemeanors that, if enforced strictly, would implicate large portions of the U.S. population, such as jaywalking. The defining difference between misdemeanors and more serious crimes (felonies) is usually the absence of malicious intent. Most people who commit misdemeanors aren’t “bad people”—they’re just ordinary individuals who made small legal missteps.

So why did Congress choose to categorize illegal entry as a misdemeanor? Likely because, historically, many undocumented immigrants came to the U.S. temporarily—to work seasonal jobs and then return home. These immigrants helped power the economy with affordable labor in sectors like agriculture, construction, and domestic work—jobs many Americans often avoid. Congress likely understood that most undocumented immigrants weren’t malevolent actors, but people trying to support their families.

That said, repeat entries—entering the country illegally after deportation—are classified as felonies. The distinction reflects a recognition that repeat offenders knowingly break the law after being warned.

Today, however, a dangerous narrative has taken hold: that undocumented immigrants, as a group, are inherently criminal. But this simply isn’t true. Studies consistently show that crime rates among immigrants—including undocumented ones—are lower than among the native-born population. Unfortunately, isolated crimes committed by undocumented individuals are often sensationalized and used to justify extreme policies, including calls for mass deportation.

To put things in perspective: there are an estimated 10 to 15 million undocumented people in the U.S.—roughly the population of Georgia. Of course, in any group that large, some individuals will commit crimes. But no one would suggest deporting every resident of Georgia to reduce crime. Yet that’s effectively the argument made when people call for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

To be clear, those who commit serious crimes should be punished and deported. But the vast majority of undocumented individuals come here seeking safety, opportunity, or a way to provide for their families. They often work hard and build lives here. Many have children who are U.S. citizens, spouses, and jobs that contribute to the economy.

That doesn’t mean we should ignore the issue of illegal entry. It is a problem when millions cross the border without inspection. What we need is a system that strengthens and expands legal immigration while reducing the incentives and opportunities for unauthorized entry. The wave of arrivals during the Biden administration benefited nearby countries disproportionately, while immigrants from farther away waited for years. And many of those who entered under executive actions may now find their status threatened by future administrations. That’s not sustainable—or fair.

The solution lies in comprehensive immigration reform. That will require courageous, forward-thinking leadership from both the President and Congress. But until that day comes, we must never lose our humanity. A just society doesn’t tear families apart or punish people for fleeing hardship. We need a firm, fair, and compassionate path forward—one that honors both the rule of law and the dignity of every person.