BURSTI am not a right-wing zealot, nor a left-wing revolutionary — just an ordinary American with some views that lean right and others that lean left. But when I step back and examine the current state of immigration in the U.S., I can’t help but feel a deep sense of frustration. Not at the Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents carrying out their duties, nor at the Americans protesting what they view as government overreach, and not at the administration for enforcing laws it campaigned on.
My frustration lies squarely with Congress.
Elected lawmakers take to cable news to denounce the actions of the executive branch while conveniently ignoring the fact that it is their own legislation being enforced.
Immigration and Custom Enforcement and the Homeland Security Department are implementing laws Congress passed, many of them years ago.
If the system feels cruel or outdated, the power to fix it does not lie with agents on the ground or even entirely with the president. It lies with Congress. Yet, rather than work toward legislative solutions, too many politicians choose public outrage and performative soundbites over meaningful reform.
In one public moment, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) told a line of National Guard troops, “If you shoot me, you better shoot straight.” That kind of rhetoric is not brave — it’s disgraceful. These servicemembers are young Americans, fulfilling lawful orders. They are not the enemy. If the policies are unjust, then it is Congress that must act to change them, instead of scapegoating those tasked with enforcement.
Most Americans support immigration. Millions can trace their family’s roots back to Ellis Island or similar ports of entry. We value hard work and the idea that America is a land of opportunity. We also understand that the process of becoming a citizen should be fair, secure and efficient. A secure border is not at odds with compassion, it’s a prerequisite for a system that works.
We need to fix the system by making it easier for honest people to come here legally, while keeping out those who pose legitimate threats. That requires a process that is both streamlined and deeply secure.
This begins with a modernized application portal, a single federal system where applicants can submit documents, track their progress and communicate with officials. AI-assisted verification, biometric checks and fraud detection should be built in to reduce delays and improve accuracy.
Deep background checks must be standard. That includes U.S. criminal records, foreign intelligence cooperation and digital screening for red flags tied to extremism or violence. Rather than blanket bans, we need intelligent filters that protect our national security without closing the door to those who deserve entry.
Applicants should also go through a conditional residency period — say, five years, during which they check in regularly, maintain a clean record, and complete civics and language education. Priority should be given to individuals who already contribute, long-term residents, essential workers, military members and those with U.S. citizen family ties.
A fair, secure and transparent system reinforces the values that define this nation of immigrants. The goal is not to shut the door, but to open it wider for those who have earned a place, while keeping it closed to those who pose a real danger.
If Americans want Immigration and Custom Enforcement and the Homeland Security Department to operate differently, that must start with legislation. Call your representatives. Demand clarity, fairness and compassion in the law — not just outrage in front of cameras.
Immigration reform is complex, but vilifying law enforcement or opposing politicians won’t solve it. It’s time for lawmakers to stop deflecting blame and start doing what they were elected to do: fix the system, for good.
Jacob Brooks is a U.S. Navy veteran with a master’s degree in Information Science from Penn State. He writes about leadership, service and civic responsibility.