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Immigration is a very contentious current issue, especially under the Trump administration.

The Republican Party is not opposed to legal immigration. The conservative viewpoint, which supports upholding traditional American values, strongly believes in the American dream and people moving to the United States to pursue opportunity and work hard to meet their goals. Its widely acknowledged that immigrants enrich the American melting-pot culture of diversity and hard work.

Republicans acknowledge that immigrants provide an important labor force, too, and they support legislation that increases the number of issued H-1B visas (work visas) and expands the H-2A program, which brings in foreign labor to work in agriculture.

However, these points are made toward legal immigration. Yes, its really hard to get into the country legally, especially now. But Republicans see a reason for that. They support a selective immigration process to try to ensure that the people coming into the country are not a threat to national safety and have good intentions and goals.

While the party supports having a selective process, it can be agreed that making the process less complicated could encourage more immigrants to do things the right way. Many Republicans would prefer to make the immigration process more lax if it means they know who is in the country rather than continue to keep it strict and have so many undocumented people living here.

Republicans, and even Trump voters, support changing the immigration system a CNN poll cites 80% of Trump supporters are supportive of immigration reform. While this number doesnt include what kind of change is supported, the most popular belief is that we need stricter border security so we know who is coming in and out of the country as a matter of national security and public safety. Party members support reforms that discourage illegal immigration, which they see as an issue as well as being unfair to people that come into the country the right way.

The Republican Partys primary stance regarding immigration is the widespread belief that illegal immigrants should not receive government benefits. While undocumented immigrants are not officially eligible for government programs such as food stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, enforcement of legislation like DACA, Plyer vs. Doe and the DREAM Act drain a significant amount of resources from government (the Title I budget in 2018 was 15.9 billion). The federal budget covers the meals and education of about one and a half million (according to the Pew Hispanic Center) undocumented children.

Republicans primarily believe in smaller federal government and already disapprove of its sizable deficit and the fact that numerous people who are U.S. citizens are in need of aid already. This leads many to disagree with the enforcement of legislation like this, especially DACA, which was never authorized by congress but was passed as a presidential memorandum.

These viewpoints could be seen as cold, but Republicans and conservatives both are most concerned with the safety of the American people and smaller federal government.

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The Other Side: Immigration The - The Hawk Eye

House Democrats and the White House announced their agreement this week on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement once it is enacted. Republican Senator Rob Portman accurately described the compromise necessary to reach the agreement as a rare feat that should be celebrated. Indeed, we can celebrate this rare bipartisan legislative victory in Washington.

However, we should also insist that lawmakers working effectively across the aisle for the good of the American people not be such a rarity. For that to happen they will need to overcome the mythical fixed pie belief most of them seem to hold that a deal that is good for one party must be bad for the other. That belief was reflected in the news headlines blaring that Democrats caved by handing President TrumpDonald John TrumpDems want tougher language on election security in defense bill Five aides to Van Drew resign ahead of his formal switch to GOP The myth of the conservative bestseller MORE this legislative victory.

But to decide whether Democrats let him score a win is the wrong idea. A signed trade deal is good for the Trump because it fulfills his campaign promise to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he described as perhaps the worst trade deal ever made. It is also good for Democrats because it shows that they are not so focused on impeaching Trump that they cannot work with him to deliver policy for the good of the nation. The new trade deal is good for both parties and Americans as a whole. It would also be good for all of us if lawmakers could transcend partisan pettiness long enough to reach agreements on pressing issues like health care, gun control, climate change, and immigration reform.

However, that will not happen until lawmakers and those of us who elect them to office think of ourselves first and foremost as Americans and only secondarily as Republicans or Democrats, and until we can truly focus on doing what is best for our nation rather than what is best for our party. The question should not be whether the Democrats handed Trump a victory or whether the Democrats scored a win. It should be whether Republicans and Democrats finally worked together to hand workers a trade victory.

House Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump-Pelosi trade deal creates strife among progressives Trump: Pelosi's teeth were 'falling out of her mouth' during press conference Schiff: I 'hope to hell' I would have voted to impeach Obama if he had committed same actions as Trump MORE, when asked why she would give Trump a win, responded, This is the right thing to do for our trade situation and for our workers. Democratic Representative Daniel Kildee, when asked if the new trade deal was a win for the president, said, We are working to try to preserve American jobs, and if it does that, the fact that some benefit might accrue to him should not be a reason not to do it.

It is encouraging to see members of both parties set aside pettiness and finally act like adults at the bargaining table long enough to accomplish significant policy together. That will remain a rare occurrence, however, until they are consistently motivated by the shared purpose of serving Americans and treating each other with mutual respect and appreciation. After the deal was announced, however, both sides quickly lapsed into trading insults instead of showing mutual respect and appreciation.

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted that Democrats finally acquiesced to the voice of the American people, in allowing the vote on the new trade agreement. Pelosi described the new deal as infinitely better than what was initially proposed by the administration. As a savvy negotiator, she should realize that doing a victory dance that only leaves your bargaining counterpart feeling badly about the deal they just reached with you leaves them less favorably disposed to working with you to reach future deals.

Here is to hoping that Republicans and Democrats overcome their worst bargaining instincts, build on their success in reaching a trade agreement, and deliver even more legislative wins for Americans across the nation.

Joseph Holt is an associate professor who teaches leadership and ethics with the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.

Excerpt from:
Republicans and Democrats finally act like adults at negotiating table | TheHill - The Hill

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Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, a Louisville Christian writer and activist, launched The Resistance Prays, a daily devotional for progressive Christians. Graves-Fitzsimmons is listed as a faith leader to watch this year by Center for American Progress and will be releasing a book in 2020 called "Just Faith." Nov. 22, 2019(Photo: Alton Strupp/Courier Journal)

With 2020 on the horizon, the Courier Journal peppered questions on a number of influential Kentuckians for their view on the new years priorities, opportunities and challenges. This is the secondin the series.

Christian writer and activist Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons has made Louisville home.

A Texas-native,Graves-Fitzsimmons and his now-husband moved to Louisville in 2016, just before the presidential election. To sort through the chaos post-election,Graves-Fitzsimmons created a daily, online Christian devotionalcalled"The Resistance Prays."

The free, uplifting newsletter has thousands of followers and gets new subscribers every day. The goal? To equip progressive Christians with theology and prayer in their activism.Graves-Fitzsimmons wants to dispel the false stereotype that all Christians are conservatives.

"I was wanting a spiritual resource to get me through the crazy political landscape and the everyday barrage of attacks on every kind of person who wasn't a white, Christian, conservative person,"Graves-Fitzsimmonssaid of creating "The Resistance Prays."

He was inspired byresistance efforts, likethe women's and climate marches, and was desperate tofind the people who were praying and acting,he said.

"I hated how in regard to gun violence, Republicans would say 'thoughts and prayers' and Democrats would say 'we need action, not prayers,'"Graves-Fitzsimmons said. "It's a false divide. I think we need both. Prayer and action."

Now, his work is inspiring Christians and the LGBTQ community all over the country.Since starting the daily devotional, people often reach out to say "I had no idea there were other people like me."

Graves-Fitzsimmons has degrees from American University and Union Theological Seminary. He's worked in the White House, in churches and nonprofits, has written several op-edsfor CNN and the Washington Postand has been listed asa faith leader to watch in 2020by the Center for American Progress.

At Highland Baptist Church,Graves-Fitzsimmons leads a weekly study group with local church members. Lately he's been discussing with the grouphis new book, coming out in 2020, called"Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity."

"The point of my book is to encourage Christians to be loud and stand up against the hate that's being used in the name of God," he said.

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We caught up with Graves-Fitzsimmons to learn more about his work, his vision for Louisville and what to expect from him in 2020.

Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons:My priority for 2020 is to try my best to follow the example of Jesus Christ and co-create the kingdom of God here in Louisville, in our nationand in our world. The most pressing moral concern for our nation in 2020 is defeating President Donald Trump. And second to that is defeating Sen. Mitch McConnell. Trump and McConnell seek to enrich the wealthy, demonize immigrants, deny the image of God in LGBTQ people, deny access to health careand profit off climate destruction. They fail to live up to the most basic understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

Graves-Fitzsimmons:Conservative Christians in Louisville have twisted the Gospel to serve their own agenda of greed, bigotry, and power. Would Jesus build a wall? How would Jesus react to climate change? Who did Jesus exclude? These basic questions are ignored because they can't be answered with Republican talking points. The biggest obstacle to change is conservative Christians have become accustomed to controlling the narrative about Christianity in public life. That's going to change, but they won't give up without a fight.

Read more: A Louisville mom couldn't find a Christmas story about a brown boy. So she wrote her own

Graves-Fitzsimmons:I'm deeply inspired by our city's commitment to religious pluralism. We're not just committed to religious freedom for all, but put that belief into practice by fostering a sense of appreciation for what other religions bring to our city. At a time when we're witnessing a rise in hate crimes and far-right violence targeting religious minorities, Lousiville's compassion and inclusive policies are a beacon of hope.

Graves-Fitzsimmons:I created the "Resistance Prays" to equip progressive Christians to spiritually and politicallydefeat Trumpism. After the election of Donald Trump, I witnessed so many Christians putting their faith into action by resisting the white nationalism and anti-Christian policies of the Trump administration. Several of our writers and many of our readers are in the Louisville area, and we will be continuing to follow Jesus by standing up for social justice and the common good in 2020.

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Graves-Fitzsimmons:There is a long tradition of progressive Christianity in the United States. Christians have been active in the movements for racial justice, immigration reform, reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, global peace, and caring for the environment (just to name a few). Sadly, most of what we hear about Christians today in the public square is conservatives making excuses for Trump's immoral agenda. Don't get me wrong: Louisville has its share of fundamentalists. But we also have thousands upon thousands of Christians in this city who support social and economic justice. Organizing and equipping progressive Christians will help us reclaim the narrative of what it means to follow Jesus.

Graves-Fitzsimmons:"Just Faith" is my love letter to progressive Christians. As I've traveled across the country, I've met so many Christians who say a version of "I'm a Christian, but not that kind." We are so tired of conservatives betraying the message of love and radical inclusion that Jesus preached. My book offers a word of encouragement by reminding us of our bold tradition, explaining how we ended up in such a bad situation, and offering a hopeful vision of "Christianity" not being synonymous with "conservative" any longer.

Reach culture and diversity reporter Savannah Eadens at seadens@courierjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at@savannaheadens.

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This nationally recognized LGBTQ faith leader to watch for in 2020 is based in Louisville - Courier Journal

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On Thursday, Dec.13, the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC), the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, World Business Chicago and a few others co-hosted a convening on the 2020 Census efforts with Chicago business leaders. In attendance wereGov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who shared the work that is underway that aims to secure a complete count in Illinois and offer opportunities for collaboration and support.

The IBIC is an organization that promotes and supports sensible immigration reform to ensure the economic recovery of the state of Illinois.

Rebecca Shi, executive director of the IBIC and City of Chicago Complete Count Committee Member, said that all communities all have a stake in ensuring the complete census count, including the business, immigrant communities and communities of color.

Not only does the census determine the allocation of $800 billion in federal resources, [but] it also helps businesses decide where to set up shop and understand the changing face of consumers and informs the flow of almost $4 trillion in private investment annually, said Shi.

Shi thanked Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot for their leadership in making sure there was a vast share of stakeholders in ensuring that communities get counted.

In another statement, Dr. Mohammed Zaher Sahloul, MedGlobal President and Illinois Business Immigration Coalition Co-Chair said that addressing the barriers in hard-to-reach communities in the city, which is comprised of 20 percent of the population, is necessary in order to meet the goal to count 75 percent of the residents.

This requires that all Chicagoans and Illinoisans come together to combat the mistrust and fear of the government prevalent among marginalized communities that [result] in them being undercounted, he added. I believe that business owners and employers have a unique opportunity to lead this work in places of employment by partnering with our elected officials and other community leaders to dispel confusion and misinformation about census data, and spread the message that participating in the census is safe, easy, and vitally important.

Senator Billy Lawless, Senator of the Irish Senate, Chicago Restaurant Owner, and IBICSteering Committee Member said that he knows first-hand the importance of making sure every person gets counted in the census.

Businesses like mine use census data to make operational and marketing decisions, and politicians use the data to help direct billions of dollars in federal aid and draw legislative districts. I am happy that the leadership in Illinois is taking this seriously and committed to making sure that every person is counted no matter their country of origin, job title, income, or any other superficial factor.

The convening also included remarks from Cook County Commissioner Stanely Moore, 4th District, and Chairman of the Cook County Census Commission; Alderman Ariel Reboyras, 30th Ward, and Chair of the Special Legislative Committee on the Census; Marilyn Sanders, Regional Director of the U.S. Census Bureau; Michael Fassnacht, President and CEO of FCB Chicago; and Andy Zopp, President and CEO of World Business Chicago.

For information and help with the census, you can visit the Census Bureaus websitewww.census.gov.

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The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition co-hosts a Census 2020 convening - The Gate News

Democratic lawmakers announced broad legislation on Tuesday aiming to decriminalize migration and disrupt the prison-to-deportation pipeline.

The New Way Forward Act from Rep. Jess Chuy Garca (D-Ill.) co-sponsored by Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and dozens more aims to correct racial and anti-immigrant injustices embedded in our immigration laws, per a release from Garcas team.

The package includes a slew of proposed legislation to overhaul the immigration system, including ending mandatory immigration detention, generally blocking local police from engaging in immigration enforcement and decriminalizing border crossings.

It would also seek to disrupt laws that broadly make involvement in the criminal justice system a threat to immigrants status in the U.S. namely by ending automatic deportation proceedings for people whove had certain convictions or other contact with the criminal legal system.

We must end the labels of the good versus bad immigrant used to dehumanize and divide communities, Garca said in the release. An attack on one community is an affront to us all.

Its time to end the criminalization of immigration, reads the release.

The new legislation would decriminalize border crossings, a contentious issue among Democrats in recent years. It would repeal sections 1325 and 1326 of U.S. federal immigration law code, which make it a criminal, not civil, offense for someone to enter the U.S. outside official ports of entry or reenter after being deported.

Under the guise of section 1325 of the U.S. code, President Donald Trumps administration notoriously separated thousands of migrant children from their parents at the border in 2018.

The new package also attempts to undo some of the 1996 Clinton-era laws that added more severe punishment for immigrants who violate U.S. immigration or other criminal laws.

The 1996 laws notably removed much of judges discretion in immigration proceedings for people with previous criminal convictions for instance, green card holders (or permanent residents) are subject to mandatory deportationfor many convictions that occur within seven years of their being in the U.S.

The new legislation would allow immigration judges to exercise discretion in cases, for instance, on humanitarian grounds. It would also stop summary or automatic removal procedures for immigrants based on prior criminal convictions, ensuring them a shot at a fair day in court.

An explainer on the new proposalspoints to how immigration reform is connected to racial and criminal justice issues. Law enforcement practices like stop-and-frisk and traffic stops have been shown to disproportionately target people of color.

Convictions, often steeped in racial profiling, should not lead to deportation, the explainer reads.

The explainer details the case of Howard Bailey, who came to the U.S. from Jamaica at age 17 as a lawful permanent resident with his mom, a U.S. citizen. After serving in the Navy, he was later convicted of a first-time drug offense in 1995 and pleaded guilty on the advice of his lawyer. A decade later, as a father of two who had started two small businesses, Bailey applied to become a U.S. citizen. In 2010, his application was denied and Immigration and Customs Enforcement came to his home and detained him. He was eventually deported to Jamaica, a country he hadnt been to in 24 years, and remains there to this day.

The proposed legislation would create a statute of limitations for removals based on past behavior meaning the government could not start deportation proceedings based on criminal conduct that made someone removable more than five years earlier.

It would also limit ICEs power to detain immigrants for the duration of their deportation proceedings by adopting presumption of liberty for all immigrants, as well as by requiring the government to establish probable cause within 48 hours of a persons detention and ensure they have a bond hearing.

The legislation would notably block local law enforcement from broadly partnering with ICE in its enforcement of federal immigration laws, including having to share information on detainees.

And under the new legislation, people previously ordered deported, like Bailey, would be able to apply to return to the U.S. if they can show they would not have been deported under the terms of the new laws.

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Democrats Introduce Sweeping Plan To 'End The Criminalization Of Immigration' - HuffPost