B Stands for Both

Good afternoon,

This week, Vice President Kamala Harris visited with foreign leaders in Guatemala and Mexico, continuing her efforts to collaboratively address the root causes that lead migrants to flee their homes and make the dangerous trip to the U.S.-Mexico border.

An enforcement-only approach does not deter migrants from attempting to reach the U.S., as research shows. When conditions in home countries are incredibly dire, the perilous trek to America can seem worth the risk. Therefore, addressing the root causes of migration is an essential component of effective immigration reforms.

In Guatemala, Vice President Harris expressed her goal to improve conditions in Central America and strongly discouraged potential migrants from trying to reach the U.S. Unfortunately, her remarks did not reflect the nuanced reality that we need to both address the driving factors of migration in Central America and uphold just, compassionate policies which provide opportunities for migrants with legitimate asylum claims the chance to find refuge in the U.S.

Last week, Evangelical Immigration Table leaders sent a letter to the White House and Congress making this exact point. Targeted aid to countries from which a large percentage of migrants leave can help reduce gang and drug violence, improve educational and agricultural programs, and combat food insecurity. Improved conditions in these countries will decrease the number of people who see fleeing their home country as the only way to survive. Coupling this aid with expanded legal pathways would alleviate stress on our strained border and asylum systems.

We hope the Biden administration can keep addressing root causes of migration while also allowing vulnerable migrants to seek asylum in a fair and expeditious process, all while working with Congress to create more stable pathways for lawful immigration.

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Adam

P.S. Our BBB National Conversation last week featured leaders from along the border discussing their experiences and perspectives on the current migration influx. If you missed it, you can watch a recording here.

Adam Estle
Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

NBC NEWS: Supreme Court unanimously rules against immigrants with temporary status

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Fewer children cross US border in May but numbers stay high

POLITICO: At least 3,900 children separated from families under Trump ‘zero tolerance’ policy, task force finds

CNN: Blinken says administration is 'considering every option' to assist Afghans who helped US but lawmakers are 'frustrated'

RELIGION NEWS SERVICE: A refugee agency rebuilds its pipeline after Trump: ‘We’re starting from scratch’