Immigration Reform: Compromise Loading...
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We search for stories about bipartisan efforts, supported by real dialogue, substantive debate and a desire for progress ...and void of name calling and empty political rhetoric.
As reports circulate about the consideration of snake and alligator filled moats, we’re throwing some shade on wild headlines and accusations and trying to dive into what REAL compromise and progress on the issue of immigration could look like - if only our legislators would deliberate, debate and legislate.
In January of 2018, Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham led a group of bipartisan US Senators in crafting proposal on immigration policy reforms for the Congress and President’s consideration.
The framework that Sens. Graham and Durbin agreed to, along with Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), covered the four areas that the White House and congressional leaders had outlined in an earlier meeting: a DACA fix, a wall, restrictions on “chain migration,” and an end to the diversity visa lottery program.
The proposal presented was thought to be the least disruptive way possible to satisfy those demands. (in other words they thought THIS proposal might just get through the house, be approved by Senate and make it to the President’s desk). The proposal did the following…
Eliminated the “lottery” part of the diversity visa lottery but retained some support for the “diversity” part.
Gave access to legal status and green cards to DACA recipients (and those who would have qualified for the program) and to immigrants who are facing the loss of their Temporary Protected Status under the Trump administration.
And, it limited “chain migration” to only the parents of DREAMers legalized under the bill — not by slashing family-based immigration more broadly.
Imagine where we could be if this bill had actually made it to the floor for consideration. Committees could have held hearings, heard testimony, reviewed data, engaged in thoughtful debate and found compromise - maybe even agree on adequate funding for security and establish humane and effective immigration policy.
But...as you may recall, that is NOT what happened.
Instead, voices from media outlets and a few members of the house with extreme views made their displeasure known, outrage ensued and reasonable legislators and the President felt pressure to back away from the negotiating table and take a hardliner stance - pushing out far less moderate measures, including rolling back the Obama-era order protecting ‘Dreamers’ from deportation.
Maybe, just maybe, if our policies were dealt with in the chamber, rather than on the airwaves…we could (as a country) make real progress on REAL issues, such as immigration, healthcare reform, gun safety legislation and more.
Well, we girls can dream.
In June of this year, senior advisor to the President and son-in-law, Jared Kushner met with Senators Durbin and Graham reportedly to discuss Graham's immigration bill that seeks to change asylum law to help stem the flow of migrants from Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan seemed to give Graham and Durbin's efforts additional leverage when he told the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Graham chairs, that Graham/Durbin proposals would make the border safer.
"We would have a very different situation," McAleenan said of past legislation put forward by Graham and Durbin that also included stronger border enforcement. "We would have 20,000 additional border patrol agents, we would have technology comprehensively deployed ... we would be a lot more secure on the border."
Graham said at the hearing that he was willing to work with Democrats to "fix this mess."
"I am willing to help Central America's economy. I'm willing to help President Trump build a wall. I'm willing to work on DACA. I am willing to do almost anything and everything to fix this mess but doing nothing is off the table."
But that was June of 2019, and while we commend Senator Graham, Durbin and others for their efforts, there is still no movement on immigration reform.
The administration (like so many in the past) has instead relied on executive actions rather than a comprehensive reform bill that could actually address the underlying issues plaguing the system.
The reality is thousands of refugees remain in detainment centers and in a hopeless limbo. Millions of undocumented citizens continue to go to work, send their children to school while in constant fear of deportation. And millions of Americans have picked a side, dug their heels in, and seem more willing to get mad than root for real working solutions.
How about we try something different?
Let’s shut out the noise and let this democratic republic work as our founders intended. Let’s elect representatives that are willing to embrace the legislative process, not bypass or run away from it.
Let’s put officials in state houses across the country and on Capitol Hill that are willing to engage in substantive debate, careful deliberation, and work toward working solutions and compromise.
Election day is coming.
Let’s be the change!
In the meantime, if you want to do something to help those struggling now...
Vote Like a Girl has chosen RAICES Refugee & Immigrant Center for Education & Legal Services, to be our ‘let the girl’s pick’ charitable organization of the month!
RAICES promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees in Texas. Founded in 1986, by community activists in South Texas, RAICES has grown to be the largest immigration legal services provider in Texas. With offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, RAICES is a frontline organization in the roiling debate about immigration and immigrants in the world. As an organization that combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique among immigration organizations.
To support RAICES with your Vote Like a Girl purchase, simply select ‘let the girls pick’ option when you check out from the ivotelikeagirl.com store.
Here’s your ONE THING for the week…
We get it. You’re busy, but you still want to lend your voice to the fight. Here’s our suggestion for ONE THING you can do this week to make a difference today.
76% of Americans support the DREAM Act - an American legislative proposal for a process for granting residency status to qualifying immigrants who entered the United States as minors.
It would first grant conditional residency and, upon meeting further qualifications, permanent residency. Yes, the immigration debate is nuanced and messy, but we all seem to agree these DREAMERS should be recognized as citizens of the only country they have known. Contact your Senator and encourage them to pass the Dream Act 2019 now.
Of course you can also visit our store, buy a great tee, tank, tote, decal or hat and GIVE BACK to RAICES or anyone of the more than 30 organizations we’re supporting. You pick, either way - you’re our shero. Go get ‘em girlfriend!