Drawing on the successful collaborative strategies of previous campaigns, such as the “Faith and Education Coalition,” this initiative will combine national grassroots advocacy with a robust digital-first media campaign.
The time for action is long overdue. Decades of political inaction and neglect have allowed the immigration crisis to fester, undermining both the rule of law and the values of compassion and decency that America espouses.
Now, with prophetic courage and political will, the NHCLC asserts that our beloved nation stands at the threshold of reform, poised to move from the wilderness of political apathy to the promised land of “Just Integration.”
At the heart of NHCLC’s message is a call to reconcile border security with the values of faith and family.
This includes a multifaceted approach to immigration reform policy because this crises is about bad policy made worse by craven, partisan politics. Americans are tired of their elected officials using this issue to divide us, we elected our representatives to represent us, and here’s how they can do it:
1. **Securing Borders and Enforcing the Law:**
Advocates for immediate action to halt illegal immigration, including the construction of a comprehensive border wall and the cessation of catch and release policies. NHCLC emphasizes the importance of reverting back to the stay in Mexico policy, ensuring that individuals seeking asylum wait in Mexico rather than being released into the United States. Moreover, NHCLC stress the urgency of addressing the continuum of lawlessness that arises from permitting millions to enter the country illegally. This perpetuates a message to the next generation that breaking the law is tolerable, creating a societal impact that extends from the southern border to urban centers across America. NHCLC opposes the use of the U.S. military for the deportation of undocumented individuals and supports efforts by the U.S. Congress to provide all necessary ICE funding required to lawfully pursue justice for undocumented individuals.
2. **Legal Status, Not Amnesty:** NHCLC proposes a non-amnesty path to legal status and citizenship for long-standing undocumented residents, contingent upon their contributions to the economy and adherence to the law. Citizenship will only be reserved for natural born citizens or those who have legally entered America and have gone through the naturalization process without violating any law. The plan includes a guest worker program aimed at integrating productive members of society into the fabric of American life.
3. **Employer Responsibility:** NHCLC emphasizes the need for employers to take responsibility for verifying the legal status of their employees, while also advocating for a streamlined sponsorship process to ensure that immigrants can contribute to the workforce without burdening the welfare system.
4. **Assimilation:** Recognizing the importance of assimilation, NHCLC calls for initiatives to help immigrants learn English and civics, while also combatting anti-American sentiments in public institutions. By fostering a sense of national unity and shared values, NHCLC aims to empower immigrants to fully participate in American society.
5. **Work, Not Welfare:** NHCLC urges reforms to welfare programs to incentivize gainful employment among immigrants, thereby reducing dependence on government assistance and fostering a culture of self-reliance.
In the quest for comprehensive immigration reform outlined by NHCLC’s “The Urgency of Now” campaign, it is crucial to emphasize that this issue transcends partisan lines. It is not a matter of Republican or Democratic affiliation but rather a moral imperative that speaks to the core values of justice, compassion, and decency that define the United States.
By defining immigration reform as a fundamentally moral issue, NHCLC invites people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, to engage in a constructive dialogue. It encourages a shared commitment to finding just and compassionate solutions that align with the foundational values that have historically defined America.
It is time to unite and demand collective action NOW to address immigration challenges in a way that reflects the best of American principles and fosters a more inclusive, compassionate society.
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