In the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration, Richard D. Wolff critiques the political landscape where both center and left parties struggle to address the issue effectively. He notes that scapegoating immigrants has become a common tactic used by leaders to manage economic and social problems, particularly as right-wing factions exploit these sentiments for electoral gains [ce18bd0c]. This exploitation has led to a perception that figures like Kamala Harris lack a robust immigration program, further complicating the political narrative [ce18bd0c].
Sloane Davidson previously highlighted how politicians often leverage immigration issues for political gain, especially in the context of Haitian asylum seekers during election years. This divisive rhetoric not only harms immigrants but also negatively impacts citizens and communities [97ee3672]. Davidson emphasizes that cities like Pittsburgh are facing population declines, which leads to a loss of federal funding and a shrinking tax base, making the integration of immigrants crucial for economic revitalization [97ee3672].
Wolff suggests that a classic left reformist approach could propose an 'Inclusive New Deal' aimed at addressing immigration comprehensively. This program would focus on creating jobs for both citizens and immigrants, funded through various taxes, including a wealth tax [ce18bd0c]. Davidson echoes this sentiment by noting that immigrants significantly contribute to local economies by starting businesses and filling labor shortages, yet they are often portrayed as threats, exacerbating xenophobia and fracturing communities [97ee3672].
Victor Ghalib Begg, a naturalized citizen and Republican, also emphasizes the invaluable contributions of immigrants to American society. He expresses sadness over the demonization of immigrants in a hyperpartisan political climate and supports bipartisan solutions for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S. [05f98870].
Amidst the current immigration debate, migrants from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are facing significant delays in receiving work permits from the US federal government, with over 400,000 new arrivals waiting for more than six months [83f17b51]. This backlog has placed a strain on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and has prompted calls for reforms to streamline the process, particularly as the Biden Administration's parole program faces legal challenges from several states, including Florida [83f17b51].
Davidson's organization, Hello Neighbor, founded in 2017, aims to support refugee integration, reflecting a commitment to fostering compassion and collaboration in addressing community challenges [97ee3672]. Additionally, the SSDI Return to Work Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. French Hill, aims to reform Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to better support individuals with disabilities in returning to the workforce [ae51d019]. This legislative effort aligns with Davidson's call for compassion and collaboration to tackle real community challenges like job creation and economic inequality [97ee3672].
Furthermore, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has criticized Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas for his plans to welcome illegal immigrants through a federal parole program, arguing that such actions could lead to increased crime and costs for taxpayers [429701e2]. Presiding commissioners for Clay and Platte Counties have echoed these concerns, urging Lucas to reconsider his approach, which they believe could violate state laws and strain local resources [09aaefa3].
Adding to this discourse, Garry J. Crites, an evangelical minister, argues against mass deportations, emphasizing the biblical mandate to care for immigrants. Crites highlights a Lifeway Resources study showing that 77% of evangelicals support a path to citizenship for immigrants. He notes that immigrants are vital to the economy, contributing significantly to taxes and local markets, and that they are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Crites calls for a balanced approach to immigration that respects both security and compassion, aligning with the views of many in the evangelical community who advocate for humane immigration policies [1829708c].
In a recent opinion piece, Christine Schenk shares the stories of Esther Ngemba and Jewel Yokie, both of whom fled civil wars in their home countries and have made significant contributions to their communities in Cleveland, Ohio. Ngemba, who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo, has launched two businesses, while Yokie, a senior manager at the Hope Center, underscores the importance of immigrants to the U.S. economy. Schenk cites an October report from the Economic Policy Institute that highlights the positive economic impact of immigration, contrasting this with the potential costs of Trump's deportation plan, which could reach $315 billion and reduce GDP by 4.2%-6.8% [f4a28826].
Pope Francis has also been vocal about the dignity of migrants, calling for compassion and support from the Catholic community. Schenk urges Catholics to stand against anti-immigrant rhetoric and support policies that recognize the contributions of immigrants to society [f4a28826].
As the immigration debate continues, both Davidson and Wolff underscore the importance of viewing immigrants not as political pawns but as vital contributors to society. Begg's memoir, titled 'Our Muslim Neighbors — Achieving the American Dream; An Immigrant’s Memoir,' further illustrates the positive impact immigrants can have on American society [05f98870].