Boston Bombing and the Immigration Reform Effort
Author: US Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova
The injury and death toll of the Boston marathon bombing reached 264 injured persons and three deaths. While the nation shifted its attention to this tragic event, the fact that the men accused of the bombing were two legal immigrants from Chechnya raised questions about national security and proposed immigration reform.
According to a Wall Street Journal article the eight Senators pushing immigration law reform took pause to consider whether the bill contained adequate security measures.
In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senator Rand Paul asked whether the immigration reform addressed how the current immigration system allowed two immigrants from the Chechen Republic to immigrate when the area was "known as a hotbed of Islamic extremism." Senator Mark Rubio, one of the bill's eight co-sponsors (dubbed the "gang of eight") indicated an interest in strengthening the bill if investigation reveals that flaws in the immigration system are evident. Senator Chuck Schumer from New York also favored further review of security measures as part of the bill. Democrats and Republicans co-sponsoring the bill are onboard with the idea of ensuring immigration reform leaves no stones unturned regarding national security.
As much as the need for immigration reform is a pressing issue, when an act of terrorism costs American lives and inflicts serious injuries, immigration falls under scrutiny in terms of protecting citizens against terrorist acts.
If you have questions about immigration, face potential deportation or are seeking asylum, find out how a immigration lawyer can help.