Immigration the ‘right’ way an expensive

I am so tired of hearing people say 'I have nothing against immigrants; they just need to come here the right way!” And what is this 'right” way?

The keys to coming to and working in America are a Visa and a 'green card” (Legal Permanent Residency), available through an American Embassy in the country of origin and processed through the U.S. Immigration Service.

Using El Salvador as an example: An I-130 application has a price tag of $420, and a processing time of 5 months. Application to a U.S. National Visa Center is $318, and takes 6 weeks. Letters of need and support from others costs $670, and can take up to 6 months. An 1601-A application is $160, and processes over 6 months. An I-864 application to the National Visa Center is $160, and interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy runs $165, plus a health exam by an approved doctor is $100 and it all takes months to set up.

Furthermore, no documents can be mailed directly to the American Embassy for security purposes. They must go through a courier service that costs another $200.

Do you see any of the people in the caravan ever being able to come here the 'right” way?

Kay Graber

Mount Vernon