Click on the image to watch the Leading the Way general session panel: Building a Healthier Border Dialogue (Source: National Immigration Forum)

All We Want for Christmas is Immigration Reform

Good afternoon,

December is the time of year when things seem to slow down for many of us as the holidays approach. However, we at the National Immigration Forum, in addition to our partners across the country, are working hard to see immigration reform pass before the new year.

The time between the mid-term elections and the start of the new congressional term in January is essential to bring immigration to the forefront of our Members of Congress’ minds. These next couple weeks may be the only opportunity to provide long-lasting permanent solutions for immigrants in the U.S. who are vulnerable to the whims of changing membership in government.

Two weeks ago, leaders from across the country who represent law enforcement, national security, faith and business sectors gathered in Washington, D.C. for the Forum’s annual Leading the Way conference to connect, learn and advocate for bipartisan incremental immigration reforms. These leaders and constituents understand the urgency of these reforms and the impact action (or inaction) will have on immigrants in our communities. Like the majority of Americans, they want to see Democrats and Republicans work together to make these reforms happen.

Leading the Way was filled with conversations on lame-duck priorities including:  

The Border

Serious challenges are being faced at the southern border. Some approaches have included policies like Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and Title 42 which have hurt rather than benefitted immigrants and immigration procedures.

Two weeks ago, a federal judge blocked the use of Title 42, setting its end for December 21. In response to this, and in order to address the influx of migrants arriving at the border, the Biden administration is considering other policies which may resemble policies put in place by the previous administration. While there are very real problems at the border that need to be addressed, going back to policies that rely on enforcement and deterrence is not the answer. In a time when conversations around the border are contentious and divisive, we need to focus on practical solutions that respect the humanity of migrants while maintaining border security at the same time.

Experts in law enforcement and national security discussed ways to build a healthier dialogue and focused on solutions in the panel below.

Click on the image to watch the Leading the Way general session panel: Building a Healthier Border Dialogue (Source: National Immigration Forum) 

Dreamers

There has been a lot of news about Dreamers over the last couple years, especially as decisions have been taken at the judicial level to consider the legality of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the last few months.

For the moment, the almost 700,000 DACA recipients are able to stay in the U.S. and keep their temporary work authorization with the chance to apply for renewal. However, it is likely that DACA will be declared unlawful and these protections will be taken away if action is not taken by Congress soon. These DACA recipients, and the millions of other Dreamers in the U.S., many who have families of their own, will lose their work authorization and face possible deportation to countries they do not know.

Advocating for Dreamers is essential during the next few weeks as an unlawful ruling will negatively impact not only Dreamers, but Americans as a whole.

Farmworkers

Rising food prices have been at the top of people’s minds.  Members of Congress should be thinking about ways to address the acute labor shortage in the agriculture and farm industries, which is a contributing factor to rising food prices.

There are over one million undocumented farmworkers in the U.S. whose hard work help bring food to our tables. However, a lack of legislative solutions to give them status negatively impacts these farmworkers’ ability to work lawfully in the U.S.

During Leading the Way, Cathy Burns, a leading voice in American agricultural policy, spoke about the importance of immigrant farmworkers to the U.S. from an economic standpoint and discussed legislation to address the current challenges with labor shortage and rising food prices.

Click on the image to watch the Leading the Way general session panel: Immigration as a Pillar of Agriculture and Economic Prosperity (Source: National Immigration Forum) 

Afghans

It’s been over a year since the fall of Kabul and many Afghans resettled in the U.S. since then still only have temporary protection. In August, the Afghan Adjustment Act was introduced in the Senate, which would provide Afghans a pathway towards permanent status. However, this bill has not been passed
into law yet and until then, thousands of Afghans forced from their homes are left in limbo as they wait to see what their future could be in this country.

Sen. Klobuchar, one of six bipartisan cosponsors of the Afghan Adjustment Act, spoke at the Leading the Way general session about the importance of working towards a solution for Afghans, in addition to a solution for Dreamers and the border.

The general session also included a panel of leaders from various companies and organizations who discussed the U.S. response to Afghan Allies and ongoing work to welcome people fleeing violence and persecution.

Click on the image to watch the Leading the Way general session panel: Afghan Allies and Evacuees, Welcoming Those at Risk (Source: National Immigration Forum) 

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Most Americans want to see immigration reforms happen this year, including 70% of conservatives. Our elected officials need to know that immigration reform is a priority for their constituents and communities. Join us in advocating during this critical time so that immigrants in our communities who are currently
living in uncertainty – our friends, family members, and colleagues – can live in peace knowing there is a place for them here.

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Allison

Allison Bassett
 Field and Constituencies Associate
 National Immigration Forum 

 NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

BORDER REPORT: Asylum rates drop as immigration cases are fast-tracked, research finds 

THE HILL: Livestock farmers push for immigration bill

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Supreme Court weighs reviving Biden immigration guidelines 

THE TEXAS TRIBUNE: Migrants flown from Texas to Massachusetts sue "Perla," who recruited them for flights 

CNN: Senate Democrats restart talks to try to help DACA recipients during lame-duck session