Dear John,

It’s time for a reset on immigration—and President Biden’s first State of the Union address tonight presents an important opportunity to move forward on an issue that has been stalled for decades. 

We know that it’s past time to rewrite our immigration laws and policies for the 21st century. In the Council’s Immigration Impact blog, I discuss how President Biden can achieve this through concrete, immediate action as well as long-term, broad policy changes and cultural shifts. 
 

“Right now, through executive action, President Biden could do more to protect the DACA initiative and shield Dreamers from enforcement action. He could ensure no green cards go unused this year, while also speeding up work permits for all eligible immigrants. The president could also expand humanitarian protections for Afghans, Ukrainians, and others around the world."

While Congress is slow to act, President Biden could take those first steps with just the stroke of a pen.
 

Other changes will require a more deliberate, targeted approach to reshape the way Americans think about and act toward immigrants. President Biden needs to show that division—not immigration—is holding this country back. 

“During the State of the Union, the president can help by clearly defining our enemies: namely, the rising xenophobia and increasing polarization that make it more difficult to cut through the noise and reach more Americans.” 
 

To help the president cut through that noise, the immigration movement must tap into more powerful messages, told by a broader slate of messengers. We need to create more welcoming communities—where immigrants and their neighbors can all succeed—and market those success stories to change attitudes.

We hope President Biden will take some time tonight to address how we can reset the U.S. immigration system and make it work for all. 

Sincerely,

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