WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following is a quote from Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, on the election results:
Immigrants are essential to our social fabric. The National Immigration Forum will remain steadfast in our support not only of immigrants’ human dignity, but also of the American communities who rely on and welcome them.
Voters spoke clearly that the economy is a top concern and that replacing our broken immigration system is urgent. President-elect Trump must work with Congress on reforms that can benefit all Americans by helping spur the economy and addressing border, asylum and legal-immigration challenges.
Americans are frustrated with dysfunction, but they favor action to address more than just the border. 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. More than 75% of voters, including 7 in 10 self-identified Republicans, support such solutions.
We stand ready with our moderate and conservative constituencies to work together toward secure, compassionate policies. Humane and balanced solutions are not only possible but urgent. Leaders can start with the difficult conversations Republicans and Democrats in Congress already are having, look to pragmatic border and asylum solutions, and preserve and cement the contributions of immigrants here without permanent certainty, such as Dreamers and our resettled Afghan allies.
President Trump’s actions during his first term caused tremendous uncertainty not only for immigrants, but also for their families, employers, and communities. Now that the election is over, we urge the president-elect to reconsider unworkable and costly policies he touted in the campaign, particularly mass deportation, which would separate families and damage our communities and our economy. Many immigrants, their loved ones, and all Americans who value immigrants and recognize their importance to our nation are anxious about the election results. The fact remains: Across the country, immigrants are working alongside native-born Americans, contributing to our churches, schools, communities and economy.