U.S. Immigration Policy Brief: What Does a Human Rights Centered Foreign Policy Approach to U.S. Immigration Look Like?

Publisher: Alliance for Peacebuilding

Authors: Saurav Upadhyay and Liz Hume

Publication date: October 2021

Abstract: In the United States (U.S.), immigration is a contentious issue being weaponized and used as a political tool to fuel resentment, hatred, and toxic polarization. For many immigrants, the U.S. continues to be a sought-after destination. Today, the U.S. hosts more immigrants than any other country in the world. According to a Pew Research Center report, immigrants now account for almost 14% of the U.S. population. However, the demographic shift in the U.S. is causing considerable backlash and is one driver of instability and conflict as political leaders tap into the fear of changing demographics. To prevent the weaponization of immigration, fueling divisions and polarization in the United States, AfP urges the Biden administration to address the causes of toxic polarization, xenophobic and anti-immigrant narratives. By prioritizing conflict prevention and peacebuilding in its foreign policy and development strategies at the outset, people will not be forced to flee dangerous and violent conflicts. However, even in the U.S., we must ensure our human rights centered foreign policy extends to immigration, especially at the southern border.

Recommendations:

1     Prevent and reduce violence so people don’t have to leave their homes to seek refuge.

2    Start by building on narrow common ground that exists on immigration issues.

3     Counter xenophobic and anti-immigrant narratives by promoting evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of immigration.

4     Develop and fund structures that resolve the conflict between host communities and immigrations, promote inclusion, and build social cohesion.

5     Put human rights at the center of immigration policy.

I. End expulsions under Title 42 and listen to public health experts to put effective, science-based measures to safely process asylum seekers.

II. End the detention of unaccompanied minors and permanently close detention centers.