Why Don’t Immigrants Just Come Legally?

Tracie L. Klinke
Oct 8
2 min read

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Hope in Action with Tracie L. Morgan and Ashley Glimasinski | Why Don’t Immigrants Just Come Legally?

The question "why don't they just come legally?" echoes through countless conversations about immigration, often delivered with certainty rather than curiosity. Behind this seemingly straightforward question lies a maze of legal complexities, long wait times, and impossible choices that most Americans never have to face.

Immigration law stands as one of the most complex areas of American law, constantly shifting with each administration and court decision. For millions of people, there simply is no legal line to join - no "good guy" visa for the person who's paid taxes for twenty years, no pathway for the child brought here as an infant. Even those who qualify face wait times measured not in months but in decades.

Through personal stories and legal expertise, we unpack the realities behind America's immigration system. You'll gain specific facts to share in conversations, understand why marriage to a U.S. citizen doesn't automatically grant citizenship, and learn how to respond with both truth and compassion when immigration debates arise. Most importantly, you'll discover how to plant seeds of understanding rather than win arguments.

To celebrate the launch of the podcast, enter to win a virtual lunch with Tracie and Ashley! This virtual lunch is your opportunity to share your own stories, ask our perspectives, or get a clearer vision on what you can do to make a difference in the lives of immigrants in your community. We’re happy to talk about all things immigration.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode about Why Immigrants Don't Just "Come Legally":

Why there's no legal line for most immigrants to join, despite common assumptions.
How wait times can stretch from 20 years for siblings to over 80 years for certain countries.
The three-step process from visa to green card to citizenship and why each step involves years.
Why marrying a U.S. citizen doesn't automatically grant citizenship or erase immigration violations.
How asylum approval rates can be as low as 1% in immigration courts.
What specific facts you can share to correct common misunderstandings about immigration.
How to respond with empathy when someone asks about coming legally.

Watch the Full Episode:

Featured on the Show:

To celebrate the launch of the podcast, enter to win a virtual lunch with Tracie and Ashley!
Watch the Immigration 101 Webinar with Hope Immigration and We Choose Welcome
Hope Immigration
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If you or someone you know needs legal help, consider these resources: Refugee | Asylum