Opponents of immigration restrictions have lined up against President Trump’s most recent proposal to expand the “public charge” rule, which limits entry, visa renewal, or access to green cards for immigrants likely to receive certain forms of public assistance. But their reflexive opposition to the president on immigration is blinding them to a real opportunity to advance their goals, if they’re willing to seek common ground.
One of the best ways to boost support for increasing legal immigration is to improve public confidence that when immigrants come here, it is to work, not for a free ride. The fact is, many Americans believe the United States’ generous government assistance and welfare benefits are attracting immigrants for the wrong reasons. Policy that chips away at this common argument is a positive step in building public support for the kind of legal immigration that strengthens our economy.
Trump’s proposal to expand the “public charge” rule takes a step in the right direction. But instead of being open to compromise, leaders in Congress are dead set on resistance. They’re scoring points with the radical fringe of their party but throwing away an opportunity to restore public confidence in our immigration system. It’s a political calculation that might help them win primaries, but it won’t improve our immigration system.
If leaders in Congress really want to improve the lives of those seeking entry to our country, they should stop resisting and start offering legislation that addresses the legitimate and widely-shared concerns Americans have about immigration, welfare, and work.
Americans generally support giving immigrants the chance to work and earn a living. That’s been the American dream for millions of immigrants, and it continues to have broad appeal today. But as entitlement and welfare programs expand and grow, many are justifiably concerned that the biggest draw to immigrate to America in the future will be government freebies, not work.
If Trump’s policy proves effective in creating stronger incentives to work and fewer incentives to seek government aid — and if it is perceived by the public as doing so — the effect will be to weaken one of the most widespread arguments against more legal immigration. It may look like a short-term win for immigration restrictionists, but it actually represents a long-term win for improving public confidence that our immigration system is capable of welcoming people who want to work.
Ideally, Trump’s policy on government benefits for immigrants should be part of a larger package of legislation from Congress that addresses asylum policy, border infrastructure and security, and DACA, among other issues. Americans can find middle ground on these issues. But too many in Congress refuse to try.
As long as Congress opts for resistance instead of seeking and reflecting the common ground on immigration that exists in America, public confidence will continue to sink, our immigration system will remain dysfunctional, and all of us, native-born and immigrant alike, will pay the price.
Brian Brenberg is chair of the Program in Business and Finance and executive vice president at the King’s College in Manhattan. Follow him on Twitter @BrianBrenberg.
