The Quote Below—More Misinformation from the Media
“Trump’s defeat and stronger than projected midterm performances by Democrats suggest that anti-immigrant cynicism is misplaced and a fundamental misread of American sentiments on immigration. Rather than feeling stymied by immigration as a political bogeyman, politicians can actually flip the script and make immigration a winning issue by pursuing real, common sense solutions to our immigration woes that are supported by large majorities of the voting public. . . .
“Advocates for more robust immigration policy also have to get serious about the politics of immigration, learning how to talk about immigrants and immigration in a manner that doesn’t enhance political opposition to policy reform, but that builds support for it. . . .
“In fact, many Americans are concerned about immigration problems—most notably the seemingly endless flow of migrants at the southern border—and they want something done about it. By insisting on enforcing immigration laws and fair treatment for all and stepping up to actually fix the problem, immigration advocates can put the anti-immigrant, xenophobic crowd on the defensive.
“Advocates must develop messaging that avoids putting immigrants on a pedestal, and that builds support for immigration reform for the promise it provides to our nation’s and local community’s economic prosperity. Comprehensive immigration reform and advocacy must be rooted in values of fairness, security, freedom, and opportunity. Messages rooted in outrage at anti-immigrant gamesmanship or that calls for open borders or “sanctuary cities,” which (as noble and moral as the policy is designed to be) is heard by many Americans as granting special treatment for undocumented entrants, and as fostering a spirit that rewards rule breakers. . . .
“Pro-immigration advocates should lead with comprehensive immigration reform as a way to restore order to our immigration system. In fact, bipartisan majorities exist for key elements of immigration reform that include:
“We must provide a means for immigrant adults who have labored in the U.S., paid taxes, and otherwise contributed to our nation to emerge from the shadows and join the formal economy. . . .” –- 7 Things That Would Fix Immigration in the U.S., John Austin & Steve Tobocman, Time, 2/7/23 [Link]
Fact Check of Above Quote: The authors of this article mislead by giving the impression that they seek sincere cooperation and compromise to deal with immigration. What gives them away is the statement that “immigration advocates” should try to “put the anti-immigrant, xenophobic crowd on the defensive.” There’s no suggestion here of finding common ground. Those who would limit immigration aren’t credited with any good motives. They are anti-immigrant xenophobes who must be put “on the defensive.” Immigration advocates, however, are rooted in “fairness, security, freedom, and opportunity.”
The authors claim that their side upholds “law enforcement” and “fairness,” even as they call for mass amnesty—a reward for people who have shown contempt for our laws. American citizens have to obey laws, but foreigners don’t? Where’s is the fairness there? The authors dishonestly refer to illegal aliens as “immigrant adults.” In reality, an immigrant is someone who comes here legally and plays by the rules. The authors, like most people on their side, try to blur the distinction between the two groups. Without that distinction our laws and citizenship don’t matter much either.
As part of their message of phony compromise, the authors tell their fellow advocates to cool their “outrage” and at least appear to concede that an “endless flow of migrants” and defense of sanctuary cities might cause some problems—even as they countersignal to their comrades that sanctuaries are “noble” and “moral.”
It would be most helpful to our country if immigration advocates really could compromise. But to do so, they would have to abandon their bigoted obsession that unending mass immigration is off limits to debate. Unfortunately, that’s not likely anytime soon.