Democrats Urged to Adopt Tough Stance on Immigration

Democrats Need Stronger Voice on Immigration, Experts Say

Democratic strategists are calling for a significant shift in how the party addresses immigration. A new report from the Democratic think tank Searchlight Institute suggests Democrats should move away from sounding apologetic about immigration laws and instead embrace a more forceful defense of the nation’s legal framework. This approach, experts argue, is crucial for regaining public trust and developing effective policy. The recommendations come amid ongoing debates about border security and the asylum system.

Embracing a Nation of Laws

Adam Jentleson, president of the Searchlight Institute and former chief of staff for Senator John Fetterman, emphasized the need for Democrats to present a clear, unwavering stance on immigration. “The first thing we need to do is we need to stop sounding apologetic about the fact that we are a nation of laws,” Jentleson stated. He believes that a sovereign nation must begin with a secure border and that laws exist for a reason and must be enforced. Sounding apologetic, he explained, can inadvertently create incentives for people to enter the country illegally.

Reforming the Asylum System

A key recommendation from the Searchlight Institute involves overhauling the current asylum system, which is described as “broken beyond repair.” Jentleson highlighted the lengthy adjudication process, which can take up to six years. During this time, asylum seekers are often released into the country, establishing roots in communities. If their claims are eventually rejected, the process of removing them becomes difficult and unfair to all involved. “We need to fix that system to stop creating these pull factors that we don’t address as Democrats that are causing people to surge to the border,” he urged. The proposed approach is to be fair but tough, welcoming people to the country the right way, or not at all.

Learning from Past Mistakes

Former Director of ICE Sarah Saldaña and former DOJ staffer Mondaire Jones also weighed in on the party’s approach. Jones expressed a sense of refreshing honesty from some Republicans willing to call out past abuses of the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement. He suggested that the future leaders of the Democratic Party have learned lessons from recent elections, moving towards a common-sense proposition of supporting a pathway to citizenship while also enforcing existing laws. However, Saldaña expressed caution, noting that some on the left still struggle to understand the important mission of ICE, which is established by statute. She hopes for a more rational approach from all sides.

Addressing the ‘Abolish ICE’ Movement

The conversation also touched upon the rise of rhetoric calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jones acknowledged that this sentiment stems from public perception, particularly after events in Minneapolis, where polling shows significant public negativity towards ICE. He argued that while some may call for abolishing ICE, serious presidential contenders on the Democratic side are more likely to advocate for reforming the agency. “We need to make sure that ICE is not out here gunning down citizens and other people who are unarmed and are posing no actual threat to public safety,” Jones stated, pointing to leaders like Andy Beshear and Gavin Newsom as examples of progressives who understand the current political climate.

Crafting a Winning Message

The challenge for Democrats, as outlined by the experts, is to simplify their message, much like Donald Trump did with his “build a wall” slogan. Jentleson reiterated the core message: “Come the right way or not at all.” This encapsulates the idea that while the U.S. is a nation of immigrants and immigration is a significant contributor to culture and economy, legal processes must be followed. Democrats need to consistently articulate this position publicly, even if private conversations reveal a more moderate stance. The pressure from certain advocacy groups to adopt extreme left-wing positions, which are often out of step with public opinion, was also highlighted as a significant hurdle.

A Return to Core Principles

The discussion suggested that Democrats have historically been able to win on immigration issues by returning to core principles: enforcing laws, securing borders, and deporting criminals. This was a winning strategy in the past, and experts believe it can be again. Saldaña recalled that the Obama administration, particularly in its later years, focused on these aspects, leading to Obama being referred to by some as the “deporter-in-chief.” This demonstrated that a firm approach to immigration enforcement is achievable and can be a viable political strategy.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Democratic strategists emphasize the need for clear, consistent messaging that balances compassion with the rule of law. The focus should be on reforming broken systems, particularly asylum, and ensuring that immigration enforcement is conducted responsibly. The goal is to craft a message that resonates with the broader American public and allows the party to regain ground on an issue that has often been a political challenge. The commitment to enforce laws while also upholding American values will be key to their success.

Source: Dem strategist breaks down how the party should approach immigration in the midterms (YouTube)