As the immigration changes and reform debate rages on, many individuals are starting to question what protections they actually have under the law. Obama has sought to enforce ambitious reform to the system, which has been hotly contested by republicans. Despite the uncertain future of the majority of Obama's intended reform, the Homeland Security Department has created hotlines that will take calls from illegal immigrants who believe that their rights have been violated under the new amnesty policy.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the designated complaint lines, encouraging those who had a bad experience to report it right away if it was contrary to the DHS's new policies.

There will be three main complaint hotlines, connecting immigrants to:

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• CBP (oversees Border Patrol)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

While the legal status of potentially four million illegal immigrants still hangs in the balance, the policy gives them tentative recognition. It also orders Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to refrain from arresting any illegal immigrants who claim they have been in the U.S. for years, even though they do not meet the full amnesty criteria.

Are the hotlines really effective?

In response to the complaint hotlines, Border Patrol agents claim to be upset and frustrated. They believe that the administration has only created new ways to solicit complaints against them and encourage accusations. In turn, they have called for hotlines of their own to report administrative failures.

On the flip side, illegal immigrants have not found hotlines as effective as they would have hoped. Many are still unsure of whether or not they are providing any real protection, as positive results have rarely been produced. Not only that, but some believe that the department simply doesn't have the ability to investigate the amount of complaints against itself. Still, this hotline may serve as a great tool for illegal immigrants to protect their tentative status and avoid unfair treatment from border patrol. If Obama's immigration reform is to move forward, these hotlines may be a much needed resources for illegal immigrants as they face greater opposition.

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