Here is our way forward on immigration
The Hill · C · trust 21/100
Comments: by Jennie Murray, opinion contributor - 08/15/26 2:00 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Jennie Murray, opinion contributor - 08/15/26 2:00 PM ET Comments: Link copied New citizens hold flags and paperwork during a naturalization ceremony, where nearly 200 people from 54 different countries became United States citizens, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) As America continues to celebrate 250 years this summer, I can’t help but reflect on our shared immigration history — and on my own family’s story.
And as we look ahead to the next 250, we need a reset on our policies and narratives around immigration.
In our nation’s history, immigrants have been pivotal to so many moments of consequence and success for America’s great experiment. That begins with the eight signers of the Declaration of Independence who had been born in other countries — and we can’t forget the 300,000 foreign-born members of our Armed Forces who served during World War II. Also, thank Russia-born Sergey Brin for coming here and co-founding Google .
For most of us, immigration history is personal. I think about my own family, which arrived early in the 20th century — in time for one to respond to the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco as a member of the city’s fire department. Another became an executive at Goodyear and supported America’s efforts during World War II.
As we look ahead to the nation’s next 250 years, I see reasons for hope despite our current polarized conversation. Go deeper and you’ll find that Americans aren’t as far apart as we seem.
I speak daily with people from all parts of the political and ideological spectrum who understand that our immigration system is badly broken and that we need to come together around solutions that benefit all of us.
These solutions must be firm: A secure border so that we can effectively manage immigration, smart enforcement to remove violent criminals, a restitution-based approach to those immigrants seeking legalization, and visa programs to meet workforce needs and help American-born workers prosper.
Immigration enforcement should be focused and accountable, homing in on actual public safety threats — not workers and families who pose no risk and are trying to follow the law. Overreaching immigration enforcement puts a squeeze on local, regional and national economies — and it does not increase trust in the law enforcement officials trying to keep our communities safe.
Immigration solutions also must be fair. Severe immigration restrictions are putting U.S. citizens at risk of losing family members, caregivers, students and fellow church members and U.S. companies risk losing valuable employees. Instead, we need solutions for people who came here lawfully and are contributing to our communities, churches and the economy — such as people who have abruptly lost Temporary Protected Status and work authorization, leaving employers in the lurch.
The immigration solutions we need also must be compassionate. We can be a nation of laws and still honor human life, human dignity and family unity. For example, Americans still broadly agree with the biblical principle that we should not punish children for the actions of their parents — nor separate families, especially those with U.S.-born children.
How should this translate to policy? Lawmakers from both parties must work together to keep the border secure, make sure enforcement targets real threats, modernize legal immigration that strengthens American workers and our economy, and update our asylum system so it can work effectively.
Polls show overwhelming public support for these kinds of firm, fair and compassionate immigration solutions. With great respect to Congress, they should listen to the vast majority of Americans and pass historic legislation to reduce chaos and stabilize the U.S. immigration system for all.
It’s hard to imagine America’s success and prosperity over the past 250 years without immigrants and immigration. Now let’s come together and create immigration processes that pave the way for the next 250 years of American strength and promise.
Jennie Murray is president and CEO of The Forum .
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