Moving forward in an election year

B Stands for Better Conversations

Good afternoon,

The first presidential debate ahead of the November election took place at the end of June and, as expected, immigration was a central topic in the discussion (read about claims made and their accuracy here). The two candidates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, have very different approaches to immigration and opinions of its value to the United States. Below, you can see an overview of some of their key policy positions on immigration (click on this link or the image below to read about these positions in greater detail):

Top-level overview of eight positions the presidential candidates have taken on immigration. (Source: National Immigration Forum)

Ahead of the debate, Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, said this:

"Americans want lasting border and immigration solutions, no matter the political narratives the candidates employ. Voters want candidates who offer border and immigration solutions that combine security, order and compassion and avoid rhetoric that criminalizes, dehumanizes and foments fear."

Poll after poll continues to confirm this sentiment. National security leaders voiced this in a press statement ahead of the debate and polling earlier this year also confirmed strong evangelical support for cooperation and solutions from the country’s leaders. Americans want solutions for Dreamers in particular, and organizations have worked hard to propose a border security and management framework to lead a productive discussion on the border and propose solutions to the challenges at hand.

Despite some of the discouraging proposals and harmful claims made in election campaigns and debates, the National Immigration Forum and its partners will continue to lead in more productive and humane dialogue around immigration, while also advocating for solutions for a better immigration system following these principles:

Show compassion and justice to longtime residents, including Dreamers, by allowing them an opportunity to earn lawful status and citizenship.

Continue our moral leadership in the world as a welcoming and compassionate nation that offers refuge to the persecuted.

Honor the human dignity of all people through our words and actions.

Address the need for safety and security on the border and in our communities. Promote community trust and safety by focusing immigration enforcement on threats to public safety and national security and preserving federal leadership in setting immigration enforcement policy.

Enable fair and orderly legal immigration that continues to solidify our global economic leadership. Modernize laws to reduce backlogs and improve work visa programs for current and future workers.

Defend the longstanding constitutional principle of birthright citizenship.

As Jennie reminds us, "A better conversation on the border and immigration is possible. Even in an election season, Americans want solutions, not political fights." Join us in the coming months and beyond in advocating for meaningful solutions. Let’s fight for true American values that give opportunities for all, the U.S.-born and the newcomer, to thrive.

Stay committed and hopeful,

Allison

Allison Bassett
Field and Constituencies Manager
National Immigration Forum

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE: