Broader Goals Offer Openings for Solutions
The following is a quote from Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum:
“President Trump’s immigration executive orders today are disappointing but not surprising. Some of his broader goals offer opportunities for better immigration policy that will improve Americans’ lives.
“The expected orders would separate families and weaken our country. They do not uphold American values. In particular, actions to diminish birthright citizenship, halt humanitarian protections and initiate expansive enforcement actions that pave the way for mass deportations directly contradict core immigration principles that have broad support from the American people, including the majority of Republican voters.
“Some of the president’s stated goals provide opportunities to find solutions with broad support. We heard President Trump say in his remarks that he’s interested in defeating inflation and strengthening U.S. manufacturing. We share the president’s commitment to building a stronger economy. Immigrants are a crucial part of this work. That includes Dreamers, for whom the president has said he wants to find a solution. Immigrants are central to the fabric of our nation’s economy, security and culture.
“The Trump administration’s expected package of immigration executive actions undermining the immigration system are a departure from longstanding American principles and will weaken our economy and communities. While our immigration system is in desperate need of repair, these actions are not the solution.
“We appeal to the incoming administration and Congress to listen to the strong majority of Americans, including Republican voters, who want Republicans and Democrats to work together on border and immigration solutions. Immigrants make important contributions to our nation as entrepreneurs, church members, neighbors, friends and parents. They fill gaps in the workforce and pay taxes.
“After the dust settles, we urge the new administration and Republicans and Democrats in the new Congress to take a step back, find ways to preserve the parts of our immigration system that are working, and stay true to our values.”