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Ayensa Millan, Special for The Republic | azcentral.com 12:35 p.m. MST August 20, 2015

Ayensa Millan is CEO and founder of CIMA Law Group.(Photo: Ayensa Millan)

Immigration continues to be a divisive issue in American politics, but it does not have to be the case.

As comprehensive immigration reform has failed three times in the last 10 years, it becomes obvious that we need a different approach. It is time that Congress considers practical, incremental changes instead of the large-scale reform that some have been seeking.

Immigration reform will not only be good for the economy, but it is also in our nation's national security interest. It will keep our neighborhoods safer, decrease fear among communities and keep families together. Fixing our immigration system is the right thing to do.

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In the United States, there are roughly 60 million visas issued annually, but only 3 million are for work. Part of the reason for this discrepancy is government bureaucracy. The process is complex.

Improving the process of obtaining work visas will rapidly stimulate the United States economy. Talented immigrants who want to open their own business or use their education and skills in the U.S. will have much more flexibility to do so. This reform would also reunite thousands of families who are separated as a result of visa backlog.

As Republican Congressman Erik Paulsen says, Its a product of our broken immigration system that we often kick out or turn away the best and brightest minds and force them to return to their home countries where they end up becoming our competitors.

Encouraging educated, talented people to stay in the U.S. after graduation is crucial for our national security. We should encourage immigrants with education, talent and drive to go on and grow businesses and create jobs. This will secure our nations position as an economic power and enhance our national security interests. Many of the tools and methods necessary to keep our country safe are created by educated, talented people that feel included by the society in which they reside.

The time has come to shift from a protectionist attitude to one of inclusion. For example, immigrants who want to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) here in the U.S., should be encouraged to stay once they complete their degrees. Losing STEM students as a result of a broken immigration system causes us to lose future innovations. Furthermore, sending STEM talent away as a result of a faulty immigration system puts us in danger.

Thousands of families live in fear of possibly having their lives abruptly disrupted as a result of one of their family member's immigration status. People seek economic opportunity and a better life, no matter where they live or where they are from. This has been the case throughout human history. However, today in the U.S., many immigrants become frustrated by a complicated and unresponsive immigration system. Many die as they make dangerous journeys in an attempt to find a better life. Any nation that allows this type of human suffering to continue fails at the most basic of moral obligations: to protect human life.

Reforming our immigration system is the right thing to do. It is a true moral test of our political will.

Finally, the notion that immigration reform is too controversial is a myth. The idea that it must be reformed by means of one all-inclusive federal bill is wrong. As we examine the many benefits to our economy, national security and future prosperity, it becomes clear that a series of phased-in gradual and practical solutions can be accomplished.

Ayensa Millan is CEO and founder of CIMA Law Group in Phoenix.

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Attorney: Immigration reform needs incremental approach