Perspectives on Immigration
AJC Perspectives on U.S. Immigration Policy
Every country has the right and obligation to secure its borders. The most effective way to secure the nearly 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border is through direct, bilateral cooperation between the two governments. U.S. and Mexican law-enforcement authorities have a productive record of jointly fighting organized crime, drug trafficking, and violence through the exchange of information and intelligence. Both countries have shared security interests and want a legal, safe, and orderly migration process.
Strong, respectful relations with neighboring countries should be a strategic priority for the U.S. The Western Hemisphere is not only a geopolitical priority for the U.S., the countries of North, Central, and South America are our neighbors. Bilateral and multilateral engagement allows for mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationships through which strategic alliances can prosper. For this to happen, all leaders – especially the U.S. as the superpower – must lead with an attitude of principled respect.
The U.S. must play a leading role in stabilizing the Western Hemisphere. Numerous countries in the hemisphere struggle with existential problems derived from weak institutions, lack of transparency, and organized crime. It is imperative for the U.S. to work with regional partners to strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption and organized crime, and generate economic opportunities so that families can safely remain in their homelands, thus addressing the root causes of migration.
We must address issues related to immigration without fanning the flames of bigotry. The Jewish people know all too well the dangerous effects of negative stereotypes, conspiracies, and scapegoating. We reject rhetoric and actions that typecast all Latinos in the U.S. in a negative light, and call on communities and elected officials to speak out when any group is demonized.
Immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers should be treated with basic human dignity. whether they arrive in the U.S. within legal guidelines or not. Treating them otherwise is inconsistent with American values. The U.S. must abide by existing domestic laws and international agreements endorsed by the U.S. which prohibit both inhumane treatment during immigration detention or removal proceedings and the removal or deportation of people to places where they would face a substantial risk of torture.