Panelists invite all to vote 'to change the long deficient and inhumane immigration policy'

CIBS, and the Center for the US and Mexico of the Rice University, The Rational Middle Media, and the El Paso Community Foundation organized the community symposium “The Future of Immigration: The 2020 Election and Beyond” in February 13, 2020. The video, “The Golden Door: America’s Way Forward,” was shown to set the dialogue. Moderated by Jose Villalobos, panelists Josiah Heyman, Albert Armendariz Jr, Jon Barela, Tony Payan, and David C. Stout, recognized there is no immigration crisis, but a political crisis, and the need to change the long deficient and inhumane immigration policy. We all need to cross-examine candidates’ rhetoric about immigration, speakers said, and commented how voting is crucial for policy changes, and remarked immigration policy is going to shape our institutions at the border in the future. In the end, policies need adjustment toward a rational middle, considering multi-dimensional and multilateral perspectives, and meaning empathy and humanity. Speakers recommended voting for politicians who have hearts, focus on building a constituency for positive integration, and work together-politicians and the public, to enact an immigration policy for public good.