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.