Earlier this month, I had the privilege of sitting down for dinner in Tucson, Arizona, with Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona), Tom Suozzi (D-New York), Chuck Edwards (R-North Carolina), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) – all members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. They had just wrapped up two days on the border listening and learning. I was invited to join them alongside Forum leadership, including our President and CEO, Jennie Murray, and Senior Vice President for Field & Constituencies, Adam Estle. I’m very grateful for the invitation to be part of such an important evening.
The highlight moment? Watching Rep. Ciscomani and Rep. Suozzi split a very hefty Tomahawk steak – and agree not only on the cut, but the doneness. In a nation that feels so divided, that simple image was reassuring.
Over dinner, the members spoke candidly about what they had seen: ranchers, local law enforcement, border agents, and community stakeholders all sharing their experiences. They described the frustration that international criminal organizations are often at least one step ahead of our law enforcement efforts. But their main focus was on the urgent need for Congress to meet the moment with stronger laws and real, humane pathways forward.
Earlier that same day, Ciscomani spoke to local reporters in Tucson, where he once again affirmed that “our DACA students deserve a shot at the American Dream.” He pointed to his votes supporting work and education opportunities for Dreamers, including allowing them to work on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies. While he stopped short of stating full support for a path to citizenship, he emphasized that incremental steps matter – and that a broader, lasting solution is still needed.
Ciscomani’s comments highlight the reality we see every day: the system is broken, enforcement alone is not enough, and our country needs leaders willing to take risks to find common ground. The Problem Solvers Caucus exists for exactly this reason: bipartisan, solutions-focused conversations that lead to frameworks most of us can get behind.
At the Forum, through Bibles, Badges, and Business for Immigration Reform, we know that immigration touches every community – in the pews, in law enforcement, and in the workforce. We also know that Americans are ready for solutions that balance security and compassion, just as the members of Congress around that dinner table acknowledged.
Dinner was great, conversation was lively, and a meal was shared across the table and party lines. We look forward, hopefully soon, to the framework that Suozzi and other key members of the Problem Solvers will put forward.
Now is the time to turn bipartisan conversation into bipartisan action. Tell your members of Congress to support meaningful, bipartisan immigration reforms today.
Stay committed and hopeful,
