A new game shows it’s not easy to legally immigrate to the United States – and a new game shows just how difficult it is! The Green Card Game is a free online game that allows players to explore the pitfalls of the American immigration system. The Cato Institute designed the game to educate Americans about the U.S. immigration system so that better-informed citizens understand the system better and can work immigration reform.
The Green Card Game’s designers wanted to debunk the immigration myth that undocumented immigrants in the U.S. can just apply to obtain legal status, but simply choose not to. Entry Without Inspection (EWI) is what the U.S. immigration system calls the many ways undocumented immigrants enter the United States, compared to overstaying a visa. Approximately 50% of the 10-12 million undocumented people who live in the U.S. are in EWI status. The other 50% entered the U.S. legally on for example a tourist or student visa, but have overstayed their visa. According to a recent report in The Hill,
“EWI status prevents millions of undocumented people from being able to apply for legal status, even if they have lived in the U.S. for decades and have U.S. citizen spouses and children.”
EWI status has penalties for undocumented immigrants that make it nearly impossible to legalize their status. Legal pathways to becoming permanent residents are only available to people who overstayed their visa.
The Green Card Game
The designers of The Green Card Game hope that Americans will play the game and learn about the EWI situation and encourage Congress to take action on immigration reform and provide more pathways for undocumented immigrants to legalize their status.
An Immigration Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Immigrants in the United States have legal rights, even if they are undocumented and do not have a visa or a green card. All immigrants should be aware of their legal rights and protections. It is important for undocumented immigrants to be informed about their legal rights, as well as to seek legal advice and assistance from trusted sources. Immigration laws and regulations change frequently and can be confusing. Consulting an experienced immigration attorney who can provide more accurate and specific information based on the current laws can protect your rights.
To discuss your immigration problem, call 630-345-4164 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys today.
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