Immigrant rights activists say they see a pattern emerging, an effort to recognize and legalize some of the immigrants who are already here, but only as long as it is done under the xenophobic radar. We know the pattern well. It was also practiced by the Clinton administration. The bottom line is that the U.S. government doesn't want to deal with the reality of 9 million to 11 million people who are already here. If the economy is doing well, unemployment is low and more low-wage workers are needed, the valve is opened slightly to recognize people who are already here.
Preference is given to victims of natural disasters and political allies.
But immigrant rights advocates say much more could have been done for these immigrants. And for many of these people, that will take years. Mind you that is a brother claiming a sibling who is already and who will have to wait 12 years as an undocumented immigrant. We are beginning to see a little.