Security and...

It’s no secret that we have seen increases in migration at the U.S. Southern border in recent years. Migration patterns have changed, creating a new reality that requires action. However, our current conversation around border security is just one piece of the larger puzzle: the American people are passionate about not only border security, but also economic security, community safety, freedom of religion, and building a fair and modern immigration system.

Recent polling has shown that Americans remain steadfast in wanting elected officials to collaborate on updating our laws to not only address safety but also protect long-time immigrant residents. And further polling from Lifeway Research shows that evangelical Christians not only want legislation that would secure our borders, but that would also protect the unity of families and scant support among evangelicals for deportation beyond violent criminals.

We must support policies that prioritize security and order at the southern border, while maintaining due process and humanitarian protections for those who have a valid asylum claim, treating migrants with respect. However, The Trump administration’s new enforcement measures are too far-reaching: creating a culture of instability and fear in our communities, pushing people to make difficult choices, and discouraging people from showing up to school, for medical appointments, and to church services.

We know the American people support solutions that are more well-rounded, improving important parts of the immigration system as they ensure public safety and national security. In short, the right solution is to prioritize “Security and . . .” Adopting this approach will help us make important reforms to our immigration system that prioritize but also go beyond border security: protecting longtime community members and their families, keeping families together , respecting the dignity of each person, establishing permanent solutions for long-term immigrant residents already here, and supporting the U.S. refugee resettlement program.

A secure border will not be achieved in a vacuum, and we don’t have to choose between security and all the other values and priorities Americans hold dear. We can have security and flourishing communities, security and respect for human dignity, security and a thriving economy.

Security and Compassion