Chronicle Editorial

Instigating immigration reform

     President Barack Obama’s controversial decision to exercise executive authority and loosen America’s immigration laws was yet another boiling point in the endless debate over our nation’s southern border. Some lawmakers criticized the president’s actions last week as another example of executive overreach, while others lauded it as a step in the right direction for immigration reform.

     Obama’s plan would shield up to five million undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally in the United States if they pass background checks, pay taxes and meet a list of other criteria. The executive order doesn’t create a path to citizenship for these individuals, but it would strengthen border security while simultaneously increasing enforcement on undocumented immigrants that commit serious crimes or pose a threat to national security.

     The legality of the president’s decision will be debated at length over the coming weeks and months. However, it underscores an immediate desire for reformed immigration policy that eases the burden for individuals that want move here legally. The need for change is obvious, but it should come in the form of Congressional legislation rather than a stroke of the president’s pen.

     Immigration is multi-layered issue that can’t be boiled down to television sound bites or newspaper headlines. It takes a concentrated effort to study the problems and analyze how federal policies affect immigrants in different ways. It’s easy to take polarizing stances on the topic, but it’s not so simple to move past the talking points and find common ground. If our country wants to move forward and develop comprehensive immigration reform, it must engage in civil debate and reach compromise on sides of the political spectrum.

     It was clear Obama called Congress’ bluff last week when he announced his intentions. Republicans will control the House of Representatives and Senate come January, and fighting tooth and nail to stop Obama’s new policy could have repercussions for the GOP later on during the 2016 election – the party could worsen its relations with ever-growing Latino demographic. Creating new immigration policies that improve the current situation is not only in the best interest of the GOP, but also the nation.

     The new Congress will be faced with significant hurdles when it convenes in January. It can tackle a problem by passing comprehensive immigration reform, or watch it get worse. Executive action is never a desired outcome, and it’s time for lawmakers do something about it by passing long-term solutions instead of quarreling over short-term fixes.

Shop local this holiday season

     This is always busy time of the year. Family members are visiting for Thanksgiving, everyone needs to find that perfect Christmas tree, and those holiday decorations aren’t going to hang themselves.

     Of course, there’s always the shopping. Millions of Americans will flock to big box stores and national retail chains this weekend seeking out the best deals on electronics, clothes and other goods. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hunt for a bargain, it’s important to remember our stores in Franklin County when we do our holiday shopping this year.

     Events like Friday’s Holly Dazzle Wine Walk and Sleep In, Shop Late in downtown Hampton are just two of the many things planned during the holidays that aim to keep your dollar in Franklin County. Nov. 29 is also Small Business Saturday, which gives local residents even more incentives to shop in Hampton. Downtown specialty shops and other stores have some great deals planned this weekend and it’s worth your time to check them out.

     Patronize local businesses this holiday season and keep your dollar here when possible. Hampton’s downtown district has a lot to offer, as do many other businesses throughout Franklin County. They help make our local commerce sector vibrant and they certainly deserve your support.