As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, immigration advocate Jennie Murray is pressing for a fundamental reset of U.S. immigration policy, arguing that the current system is failing Americans and immigrants alike. In an appeal to lawmakers, Murray, president and CEO of The Forum, outlined a vision for reforms that are firm, fair, and compassionate—principles she says are widely supported by the public despite the polarized political climate.
Murray points to the historical role of immigrants in America's success, from the eight foreign-born signers of the Declaration of Independence to the 300,000 immigrants who served in the U.S. military during World War II. She also cites tech pioneers like Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, as modern examples of immigrant contributions. Her own family's story, including a relative who responded to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake as a firefighter, underscores the personal stakes many Americans have in immigration.
The current debate, Murray argues, is more polarized than the actual views of most Americans. She says she regularly speaks with people across the political spectrum who agree that the system is broken and that solutions must benefit everyone. The path forward, she insists, requires a secure border, targeted enforcement, and legal pathways that support the economy.
Firm but Focused Enforcement
Murray calls for a secure border to manage immigration effectively, but she stresses that enforcement should be accountable and focused on real public safety threats—not on workers and families who pose no risk. Overly broad enforcement, she warns, harms local economies and erodes trust in law enforcement. Instead, she advocates for a restitution-based approach for immigrants seeking legalization and for visa programs that address workforce shortages and help American workers prosper.
Fairness for Families and Workers
Fairness is another pillar of Murray's proposal. She highlights the risks that severe restrictions pose to U.S. citizens who may lose family members, caregivers, students, and church members to deportation. She also notes that American companies stand to lose valuable employees, particularly those who have lost Temporary Protected Status and work authorization without warning. Murray urges solutions for those who came lawfully and are contributing to communities and the economy.
Compassion in Practice
Compassion, Murray argues, does not conflict with the rule of law. She cites broad public support for the principle that children should not be punished for their parents' actions, nor should families be separated, especially those with U.S.-born children. She calls on lawmakers from both parties to work together to keep the border secure, target enforcement at real threats, modernize legal immigration to strengthen the workforce, and update the asylum system so it functions effectively.
Murray points to polling that shows overwhelming support for these firm, fair, and compassionate approaches. She urges Congress to heed the majority of Americans and pass historic legislation to reduce chaos and stabilize the immigration system. As the nation looks ahead to its next 250 years, she argues that immigration will remain essential to American strength and prosperity—and that now is the time to act.
