Coming Together to Advocate for Immigrants

Good afternoon,  

With ongoing debates over immigration policies such as the end of Title 42, the Uniting for Ukraine program, and the status of Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and as if there is no possibility for bipartisan solutions.  

Today we highlight some of the many ways leaders are pushing for just and compassionate solutions to these policy issues through advocacy and consensus-building, helping pave the way toward bipartisan immigration reform. 

Just this past week, more than 200 evangelical pastors and leaders engaged with nearly 40 U.S. Senator offices on various aspects of immigration reform. These leaders urged Congress to work toward bipartisan solutions for policy issues such as refugee resettlement and pathways for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. 

Participants discussed their own experiences with immigrants to demonstrate to Senators their value in communities and the need for better immigration policies. For example, Reid Kapple, a Campus Pastor of Christ Community Church in Olathe, Kansas, explained his concern with the expiration of Afghan parole status after two years, stating that his community "see[s] the work of caring and advocating for immigrants and refugees as being integral to [their] calling as both Christians and citizens of our great nation."  

Another powerful tool for advocacy is writing to Congress. This week, a group of former national security officials sent a letter to Congress about the conference on the USICA/COMPETES competitiveness bill. These officials who served in the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and departments of Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security explained the importance of allowing for green card exemptions for those with advanced STEM degrees so the U.S. can maintain its global competitiveness. Their advocacy demonstrates the imperative role that immigrants play in the U.S. economy and national security.  

A recent Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus (ANIC) press conference also illustrates the power of advocacy. Representatives from both parties and speakers from a variety of backgrounds convened to discuss how to forge bipartisan solutions. This push for consensus building is key to the creation of cross-party solutions. 

Another opportunity for leaders to get involved is the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program. This program is meant to provide a safe welcome in the United States for up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression by enabling them to apply for humanitarian parole. The program is meant to be temporary, and Ukrainians admitted under this program will have to apply for parole again after two years if they need to stay longer, with permanent status remaining difficult to obtain. Advocacy on behalf of Ukrainians will be necessary for any potential changes made to improve this program.   

The advocacy we have seen in recent weeks has been encouraging and impactful, and it demonstrates how everyone can play a role in creating a better immigration system. I hope that you will continue to join us in advocating for compassionate immigration policies and bipartisan solutions.   

Stay healthy and hopeful, 

Adam 

Adam Estle 
Vice President of Field and Constituencies 
National Immigration Forum 

 
NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:  

BAPTIST NEWS GLOBAL: Evangelical Leaders Descend on Capitol to Advocate for Reform Now  

PBS: How Humanitarian Parole Works, and Why So Many Afghan Families are Waiting to be Reunited  

AXIOS: Exclusive: Congress Urged to Ease Immigration for Foreign Science Talent  

WASHINGTON POST: Biden Official: Title 42 End Will Lead to Fewer Border Crossings  

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: Take it from a border sheriff: Title 42 doesn’t help us. End it now