Sensible Policy Recommendations
Greetings,
On January 16, the Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI), a group of leaders committed to working on better immigration policies, released critical recommendations for the 119th United States Congress and the second Trump Administration. The policy recommendations focus on sensible immigration reforms that enhance America’s national security and secure our borders. Below are four main categories that provide a balanced approach — one that secures our borders, advances our economic and national security objectives, and continues America’s tradition of humanitarian leadership:
- Implement strong screening and vetting, along with targeted border security, to safeguard the immigration system and effectively track overstays.
- Adopt immigration reforms that bolster the economy, advance national security, and offer certainty to high-skilled workers and long-term noncitizen residents.
- Collaborate with global partners on information-sharing, coordinated entry-exit tracking, and holding recalcitrant countries accountable.
- Exhibit humanitarian leadership by refining asylum processes, honoring commitments to allies, and fostering shared global responsibility for refugees.
For nearly four years, CNSI leaders have emphasized that America is a nation of immigrants seeking freedom, opportunity, and security. Throughout our country’s history, immigrants have been its bedrock, making vital contributions to economic, cultural, and innovative achievements. This remains true today. For instance, over 500,000 individuals rely upon Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which continues to face legal challenges. Legislation related to DACA has been stalled for over a decade. CNSI believes Congress and the Administration have an opportunity to finally provide a legislation solution to afford certainty to those enrolled in the program.
Similarly, for years Afghan allies put their lives and their families at risk to help the U.S. military in our efforts to defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban. By doing so they have earned the opportunity to stay in the United States and obtain legal permanent resident status. Legislation like the Afghan Adjustment Act would fulfill these important commitments made to our allies.
Our nation’s dated immigration system is in desperate need of reforms that are imperative to bolster and maintain the United States’ global leadership in the 21st century. Join us in advocating for long-overdue action to pass needed reforms.
Stay hopeful and committed,
Oula Alrifai
Oula Alrifai
Assistant Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum
NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:
NPR: ICE has arrested scores of migrants in the U.S. who have no criminal records
NEW YORK TIMES: U.S. Is Holding Migrants in Cells That Once Held Al Qaeda Suspects
CNN: This agricultural giant voted big for Trump. But its industry could be disrupted by his immigration crackdown
The WASHINGTON POST: Trump’s narrow view of TPS could imperil nearly 1 million immigrants
FORBES: Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Indefinitely Halted By Federal Judge
DES MOINES REGISTER: Iowa refugee and immigrant organization launches magazine to magnify community voices
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