Corruption and impoverished homelands are the main reasons why millions of illegal immigrants endanger their lives and leave their families behind to cross the border. The American Dream is spoken in Latin American countries to kids at a young age and the vision of a better tomorrow leads them to settle in the United States. But the dangers of running from border patrol, getting rejected at emergency rooms and legislation geared at humiliating and deceiving immigrants goes basically unmentioned.

Presidential candidate Barack Obama said in a previous debate that illegal aliens, after paying a fine and learning English, should have the eligibility for citizenship. Really? Currently there are thousands of illegal immigrants who have been waiting decades to receive “residential status” and still have no papers that can guarantee them. Even after they have paid thousands of dollars to apply, their status and ability to legally work lies in limbo. Many of the immigrants just mentioned provide for a family with children born in the U.S., speak English and provide to the nation’s economy as well. What is going to happen to them? Will the reform automatically approve them, or will that happen in the next 10 years?

Obama’s history regarding immigration reform tends to be a little unrealistic. Although he clearly understands, as well as McCain, illegal immigrants can positively impact the economy for the nation, Obama has no clear understanding as to what to do with the high numbers of people crossing the southern borders daily, as well as what to do with many who have lived in the U.S. for decades.

Obama wants to keep skilled workers AND enforce border security. That’s a little confusing. Do immigrants crossing have to fill out a survey beforehand and if they possess certain “skills?” Will they be welcomed and those who don’t be sent back?

John McCain’s stance on immigration is not that different and manages, over and over, to reiterate that passing immigration reform is top-priority on his to-do list as president. Enforcing and securing the border, as he believes past presidents have failed to do, is crucial to the nation.

McCain’s stance includes limited green cards issued for the “small” number of immigrant workers who will stay in the United States. How small? It’s not explained. He also focuses on the skilled sector of workers where he ranks, in his campaign website, from very skilled to low-skilled employees. Green cards will be given according to employer demand.

Regardless of the situation and ideas for reform, the ultimate change for immigration is not securing the country by enforcing stricter border patrols, or by people paying fines. It’s also not solving anything by learning English. The immigration issue has been ignored for centuries.

Coasts and borders do not stop immigrants from crossing, for the idea of the American Dream is far too enticing to let go. Who wants to suffer hunger in the majority of Latin American countries when commercials of white American kids eating McDonald’s are viewed every minute while watching the novellas? “Friends” is seen in Spanish, south of the border, where the idea of relaxed, coffeehouse time sounds better than walking over a land mine while playing with friends.

The reality of the issue, however, stands not on what they are actually going to accomplish in regards to immigration, but what to say to get the votes.

Latino votes are crucial in an election and the topic continues to be controversial as population continues to grow. Whether Obama or McCain gets elected, I can bet my life that no change will be seen in regards to immigration. We will probably hear more legislation on how to get rid of illegal aliens by the extremist right-wing rednecks, but nothing concrete as to issuing green cards or possibly the creation of a second Great Wall extending throughout the U.S. southern border with Mexico.

Vanessa Guerrero can be reached at [email protected]