Coming to America: Who Should We Welcome? What Should We Do?
Everyone’s In brings people together to talk about tough issues in courteous, thoughtful ways. This format features materials and procedures specifically designed for online conversation and intended to foster respectful exchanges across political divides. The materials are available to nonpartisan institutions and other convening organizations at no charge.
EI forums build on NIFI’s decades of experience helping people grapple with choices on controversial issues. But the new format also employs approaches that make conversations more inclusive and welcoming for people across the political spectrum. The EI methodology has been tested successfully in pilot forums including both Republicans and Democrats and Trump and Biden voters.
Immigration is one of the most pivotal issues our country faces—and one of the most complex. But very few Americans have had the chance to learn about it and weigh the country’s choices in a civil, nonpartisan setting. That’s where an NIF online forum on immigration can help.
The Everyone’s In materials lay out three different choices for moving forward, each reflecting a different view of the problem and different goals and concerns. Each includes a different set of proposals that might be needed to move forward.
The three options are:
- Welcome Newcomers: Immigration has made America strong. Let’s look at ways to build on our tradition of welcoming immigrants and protecting those fleeing war and oppression
- Enforce the Law: We need a stronger system that enforces the law and benefits those who follow the rules. Let’s look at ways to secure our borders and discourage people from entering the US illegally.
- Slow Down: Immigration levels are so high, and the country is so diverse, that we’re losing our common bonds. Let’s look at ways to reduce the number of immigrants and help new arrivals adapt to our way of life.
Many forum participants may find something to agree with in all three approaches, but each also presents contrasting goals and trade-offs. These are not the only options, but they are a starting point for weighing alternatives, considering different perspectives, and reaching a sound judgment.
