Greetings,
Earlier this month, President Trump said in a New York Times interview: "I'd love to have a comprehensive immigration policy. Something that really worked. It's about time for the country." In this heightened political climate, amid widespread fear among immigrants and uncertainty about the future of the country, the President’s remarks have sparked some hope.
Recent surveys reveal that the Republican Party’s views on immigration enforcement are not monolithic especially after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, in Minnesota on January 7. While 95% of Republicans continue to approve of President Trump's performance as president, polling suggests a significant number of Republican voters are wary of the administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.
At the Forum, we agree with the President’s comments to the New York Times , that a "comprehensive immigration reform" is the answer for a stronger America. America should exhibit humanitarian leadership while securing our borders and honoring commitments to allies. Immigration policies that would move our country forward while fostering shared global responsibility for refugees are urgently needed. A stronger immigration system requires more than enforcement funding.
While dispiriting nationwide news is hard to escape, leaders and organizations from across the political spectrum continue to work tirelessly to honor America’s values of welcome and the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation. Now is the time to continue to work together for policies and solutions that would modernize our immigration system in a way that advances America’s national and economic security and societal needs. Now is the time for bipartisan agreement to implement meaningful reforms that enable fair and orderly legal immigration, promote the rule of law, and defend the longstanding constitutional principle of birthright citizenship. Now is the time for change.
The last meaningful immigration reform law was signed in 1986, four decades ago. America’s dated immigration system is failing to address the current challenges of the 21st century. Join us at the Forum in helping Americans advocate for the nation they seek for their children: a nation of laws and grace. Only updated and improved legislation can stabilize the U.S. immigration system. Now, more than ever, President Trump and Congress must seize this opportunity to enact elusive and long-overdue immigration reforms.
Stay hopeful and committed,
Oula Alrifai
Oula Alrifai
Assistant Vice President of Field and Constituencies
Forum
