The Forum Daily | Thursday, March 7, 2024
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**THE FORUM DAILY**

** **

President Joe Biden will deliver his State of the Union address tonight,
and all eyes are on what he will say about immigration
policies, reports Andrea Castillo for the Los Angeles Times
.  

Members of congress are bringing guests that tell a wide range of
stories related to immigration in the United States. These will include
DACA program recipients, police officers, Border Patrol agents and
immigrant rights advocates. 

In a blog post made yesterday
,
the Forum's expectations are clear. As Jennie writes, "to put it
bluntly, we hope he addresses the need for Republicans and Democrats to
work together on immigration reforms."  

Our recent polling
 continues
to show that Americans want bipartisan work on this matter. And it's not
just our numbers. A new survey from The Wall Street Journal

shows that Americans want border security and a pathway to citizenship
for longtime undocumented residents. In addition, 59% of voters would
support the failed bipartisan immigration package, as reported by
Michelle Hackman and Aaron Zitner.  

Democratic pollster Michael Bocian, who conducted the Journal survey
with Republican Tony Fabrizio, commented on the results, saying "what it
tells us is this is an issue where voters are looking for solutions." 

With solutions in mind, the Forum has released "A Better Way Forward:
2024 Immigration Principles."

Six new principles outline what we expect from any leader when it comes
to their handling of immigration and those affected by it.  

As Jennie wrote, "they reflect our deeply rooted values as a nation.
These principles should guide any leader working for an orderly, secure
and humane immigration system." 

Welcome to Thursday's edition of The Forum Daily. I'm Clara
Villatoro, the Forum's strategic communications senior manager, and
the great Forum Daily team also includes Jillian Clark, Dan Gordon,
Isabella Miller and Ally Villarreal. If you have a story to share from
your own community, please send it to me at
[email protected]. 

**BRIDGES** -A new initiative called the "Team Up Project" is hoping
to bridge the divides between Americans, fostering "service and human
connection," reports Kate Scanlon for OSV News
.
These efforts come from a partnership between four nonprofit
organizations: Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity International,
Interfaith America and YMCA of the USA. The initiative is also part of a
campaign led by the American Immigration Council that advocates for "a
more welcoming nation."    

**CAPACITY TO WELCOME** - Despite limited resources, a local group is
welcoming newcomers in Bowling Green, Ohio, and giving reasons to stay,
reports Jan McLaughlin of BG Independent News
.
Welcome BG is a group that works to support migrant families and
international students while offering an inclusive environment. "We are
trying to educate the community that this is something worth investing
in," said Mojabeng Kamala, coordinator of Welcome BG. The group,
primarily funded by the city, will try to integrate with larger networks
working with immigrants.  

**DIGNITY** - In her piece for the Austin-American Statemen,

Texas State Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D) reviews what has been proposed in the
bipartisan bill The Dignity Act
 
and how that could lead to immigration solutions based on the
principles of dignity. "[The bill] offers a path forward that respects
the need for security, acknowledges the economic benefits of
immigration, and, most importantly, upholds the dignity of those seeking
a better life," Goodwin writes.  

**SOLUTIONS** - Christian voters might differ on immigration
solutions, but a majority emphasizes compassion, reports Giovanna
Dell'orto for the Associated Press
.
"This is not a political issue in the first instance, it's about
putting into practice what Jesus Christ taught through the Church,"
said El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz (also a Forum board member). Matt
Soerens, coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, emphasized
that even when evangelicals have more nuanced views on immigration,
they are open to more comprehensive solutions including for the
undocumented. 

Thanks for reading,  

Clara 

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