ICYMI: New York Times on the Path Forward for Immigration Reform

08 NOV 2022

In a new report, the New York Times’ Eileen Sullivan breaks down the current political environment surrounding immigration reform, including potential legislative action relating to Dreamers and a path to citizenship which despite the punditry, poll after poll (after poll) has found to have tremendous support from the majority of Americans, including Latino voters.

WASHINGTON, DC – In a new report, the New York Times’ Eileen Sullivan breaks down the current political environment surrounding immigration reform, including potential legislative action relating to Dreamers and a path to citizenship which despite the punditry, poll after poll (after poll) has found to have tremendous support from the majority of Americans, including Latino voters.

In her piece, Sullivan makes clear that Republicans “will have to find some compromise with Democrats” on several key issues, including DACA— the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals— before the courts terminate the program and put Dreamers on a path to deportation. With DACA hanging by a judicial thread, it’s now or never for Dreamers, and the only solution is legislation this year. 

In case you missed it…

The New York Times: Can Republicans and Democrats Find a Way Forward on Immigration?

By Eileen Sullivan

November 6, 2022

“Republicans have stepped up attacks against President Biden as weak and ineffective on immigration, making it even more difficult for the Biden administration to secure any meaningful immigration reform after the midterm elections, especially if the G.O.P. controls at least one legislative chamber.

But even if Republicans win control in Congress and want to advance their immigration policies, particularly on border security, they will have to find some compromise with Democrats to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold in the Senate — something that has been elusive for years, regardless of party control.

[…]

There has been and continues to be bipartisan support to create a pathway to citizenship for the Dreamers, according to a recent poll commissioned by FWD.us. But previous efforts have failed without enough Republican support.

“It’s put up or shut up time” for Republicans if they actually want to do something on border security, Mr. Schulte said in an interview with The New York Times.

Democrats have already shown that they are open to some kind of compromise measure.

[…]

But immigration advocates say if Mr. Biden is serious about protecting Dreamers and pursuing other immigration reforms, Democrats must start reclaiming the narrative on immigration with a positive message that resonates with voters.

“They’d better get on the messaging train,” said Beatriz Lopez, the chief political and communications officer with the advocacy group, Immigration Hub.

There are brighter messages on immigration for Democrats to talk about, Ms. Lopez said. Her organization has found that voters in battleground states largely agree on protecting the Dreamers. She said they also approve of what the Biden administration has done to reunite immigrant families who were separated during the Trump administration. And voters support efforts to crack down on international drug cartels.

[…]

To read the full article, click here.

###

The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.

Sign up for Highlights from the Hub

Keep up to date with the latest resources & reports from the Immigration Hub.

Topic(Required)