Good afternoon,

Loud and influential political voices dominate our news and media, giving us the impression that what we hear from a person that belongs to a particular group must be what most people in that group think. We see this impact the way politicians run their campaigns and communicate with their supporters, which can result in actions that negatively affect groups of people, as we have recently seen in the example of governors transporting migrants to other states in the country. When it comes to immigration, what do Americans actually think?

Polling from earlier this year shows that Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters want lawmakers to work together on key immigration reforms that would help fix the issues at the border and provide pathways to permanent status and citizenship for Dreamers and farmworkers. This polling was followed by the creation of a coalition of over 30 business, faith, education and advocacy organizations called the Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus (ANIC), formed to advocate for these issues. These organizations have participated in the creation of events to mobilize different constituencies across the country to speak up for immigration reform that will benefit everyone, reflecting the overwhelming consensus that solutions in immigration are urgently needed. An example of this can be seen in the responses of faith, law enforcement, and national security leaders to the recent 5^th Circuit ruling on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), in which they urge congressional action this year.

One group in particular that has grown in support of immigration reform is evangelicals. Last week, LifeWay Research released a new study revealing that a substantial majority of evangelicals in the country want immigration reform that secures the border and values those already in the country. Whereas a similar study conducted in 2015 revealed that a top response to the arrival of immigrants was to describe it as a drain on resources, this recent study found that evangelicals see it as an opportunity for growth, service, and engagement. Evangelicals largely support legislation that protects the unity of the immediate family, ensures secure national borders and establishes a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country who meet certain requirements. A majority also believe that the U.S. has a moral responsibility to welcome refugees and other immigrants.

Click on the image to read more findings from this study. (Source: LifeWay Research)

Evangelicals, guided by their faith and biblical messages they have heard on immigration, are eager to see reforms to immigration laws and want to see Republicans and Democrats work together to find solutions to strengthen the border and provide pathways to citizenship for Dreamers and farmworkers, just like the majority of Americans overall.

Join us in raising our voice to let Members of Congress know that we want them to work together to find bipartisan, long-lasting solutions. We are excited that the Forum’s new President and CEO, Jennie Murray, has officially began in her role to lead our advocacy and mobilization of people across the country toward immigration reform that reflects what Americans actually believe.

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Allison

Allison Bassett
Field and Constituencies Associate
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

NEW YORK TIMES: The story behind DeSantis’s migrant flights to Martha’s Vineyard

DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Allowing documented ‘Dreamers’ to remain in the country can boost national security

AP NEWS: US expands, extends Myanmar immigration status to May 2024

BLOOMBERG: US immigration rebounds but remains far from plugging labor gaps

CNN: Federal appeals court rules 2012 DACA memo unlawful and sends case back to consider Biden administration version