An Introduction to Immigration 2020
Irrefutable demographic changes are influencing the politics, policy and, fundamentally, the people of the United States of America. How policymakers, and their constituents, value immigrants and immigration to the nation will determine the competitiveness of our economy and the strength of our social fabric for generations to come.
The United States has two paths from which to choose. The first is a path of bitter polarization and deep divisions, breeding policies that socially and economically isolate America from the world. The second is a path of shared values leading to thriving Americans who have the opportunities, skills and status to reach their fullest potential.
The National Immigration Forum, with millions of aspiring Americans in mind, chooses the latter.
Through innovative organizing and strategic communications, the Forum has built coalitions of conservative and moderate faith leaders, law enforcement and business leaders constructively engaged in America’s immigration debate — many for the first time.
As a result, the language and perspective of policymakers, and their constituents, changed.
In his 2014 State of the Union address, President Obama spoke of “the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders [and] law enforcement” supporting immigration reform. Republican leadership, as well as the rank and file, spoke to faith, security and prosperity as the values of immigrants and immigration. And, most important, public support reached new highs and opposition dropped to new lows among core conservative constituencies.
We learned that Americans of all political persuasions believe immigrants and immigration strengthen their communities. And their contributions are irrespective of the rancor and rhetoric of legislative and electoral campaigns.
Based on research and relationships, we also learned that new Americans are disproportionately represented in the nation’s workforce, the majority of immigrants live in suburbs, and our children are growing up in communities more diverse than our parents ever imagined.
Americans see these changes every day and understand their importance through the voices of those they trust.
Therefore, based on the input and guidance of trusted faith, law enforcement, education, community and business leaders, we are proud to announce the Immigration 2020 Agenda.
By 2020, America needs
1. A 21st-century immigration system
2. The skills and training to thrive
3. Language learning for a global society
4. An active and vibrant citizenry
5. Opportunities in the hands of striving Americans
This is merely the beginning.
From here, we will work with the Immigration 2020 Leadership Council and others to develop research, sharpen a narrative and advance local and national public policies that ensure America thrives because new Americans have the opportunities, skills and status to reach their fullest potential.
For details on this five-point agenda, please visit immigration2020.org
