Eric Not Enrique: Political and Social Factors Affecting Aid For Immigrants in the United States
Abstract
The United States faces significant immigration challenges related to the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and continuing unrest in Haiti. This thesis considers theU.S. response to these humanitarian crises, seeking to understand variations in how migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from these three countries are treated. Afghans who had worked for the United States were offered preferential treatment, including temporary protected status, but were subject to additional medica land security screening at military facilities. In contrast, Ukrainian refugees received more public and political support, resulting in easier entry into the United States, fewer security hurdles, and sponsorship under the United for Ukraine program. The treatment of Ukrainians reflected the importance of a strategic alliance and fewer security concerns than with Afghan evacuees. Haiti receives the lowest level of public and political support due to a complex history of U.S. interventions and less attention in the news media. To support a more balanced response to immigration crises, this thesis recommends transferring control of the Immigration Court system to the U.S. judiciary, standardizing vetting and tracking processes, and establishing pathways for parolees to legal permanent residency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224987
Entities
People
- Jason De La Vega
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School