From Peter’s Desk: On Immigration

The Biden-Trump re-match kicked off with appearances along the U.S. border in Texas last week. And a national humanitarian crisis was subsequently turned into political fodder to advance their campaigns.

It's been estimated that 2.5 million people crossed the border into the U.S. during 2023. This is an unprecedented level of immigration activity and beyond our nation’s ability to manage effectively. Congress has not enacted immigration legislation since Reagan's presidency. Although global circumstances have changed dramatically since then, Congress has preferred hyper partisanship and legislative gridlock to solutions.

But solutions are possible, and we embrace common-sense reform as part of the American Solidarity Party platform.

Immigration policy should uphold and protect human dignity while acknowledging our national sovereignty and the government’s duty to safeguard citizens by managing the border. We must balance welcoming the stranger with justice that protects the American population from crime and economic hardship.

Legislation must be developed to establish a more effective process for addressing asylum requests.  Additional immigration justices need to be appointed to handle the massive influx of cases while simultaneously increasing security measures at the border.

This is not an extraordinary solution. However, it is, for whatever reason, one beyond the Democrats’ and Republicans’ ability to implement.

America must continue its diplomatic efforts and cooperation with Mexico and Central American countries to welcome immigrants and address the root causes of migration.

Immigration management and border security must complement one another. America must be open to receiving people in need while maintaining vigilance against crime and vice that can result in unregulated processes.

Has contemporary politics made us forget these words inscribed on Lady Liberty, "Mother of Exiles," at the gateway to the Land of the Free…

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"