The Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition (PIF) released new communications resources for communities serving immigrants to fight anti-immigrant rhetoric – often focused on the cost of providing resources like housing to immigrant families – in anticipation of heightened xenophobia during the election season. The new resources include op-ed templates and sample op-eds used by PIF partner MomsRising.
As Election Day draws closer, policymakers who have traditionally welcomed immigrant families may be tempted to scapegoat new arrivals. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, as well as other politicians serving communities that have historically welcomed immigrants, have responded to the arrival of recent immigrants by taking anti-immigrant positions. Democrats in the U.S Senate have also pushed for a floor vote on anti-immigrant legislation over objections from more than 100 immigration and civil rights organizations. As Election Day approaches, more such attacks are likely, and some will focus on the cost of providing housing, health care, and other services that meet the basic needs of immigrant families, suggesting an important defensive role for PIF partners.
Public statements like op-eds can help balance the scales so that anti-immigrant critiques are not the only messages shaping the public debate. The statements of advocates can also send an important signal to politicians that attacks on immigrant families have consequences.
Access the PIF resources here.
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