WASHINGTON, D.C.— Newly updated principles to guide border and immigration policy acknowledge Americans’ support for safe and orderly solutions that remain true to our deeply rooted values.
“These principles lay a balanced foundation for American workers and families to thrive,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “By wide margins, Americans want immigration policy reforms that not only ensure strength and security, but also protect family unity and human dignity.
“The Forum’s principles aim to encourage policymakers to find unifying solutions that balance security and welcome. It is now up to leaders in Congress and beyond to listen to American voters.”
The Immigration Principles for a Stronger America read as follows.
For a better immigration system in the United States, we must:
- Enable fair and orderly legal immigration that continues to solidify our global economic leadership. Modernize laws to reduce backlogs and improve work visa programs for current and future workers.
- Address the need for safety and security on the border and in our communities. Promote community trust and safety by: Focusing immigration enforcement on threats to public safety and national security and ensuring that immigration enforcement remains primarily a federal responsibility.
- Strengthen our security, economy and leadership in the world as a welcoming nation that offers protection and refuge to the persecuted through well-vetted, orderly pathways.
- Respect the human dignity of every individual and preserve the sanctity of the family unit, even as border security and immigration enforcement increase.
- Promote the rule of law by allowing longtime residents an opportunity to earn lawful status and eventual citizenship — including Dreamers, who already are deeply rooted here and are contributing as business owners and workers.
- Defend the longstanding constitutional principle of birthright citizenship and protect family-based immigration as a core aspect of our national values.