Event Features Critical Discussion on Border Security and Regional Migration as FWD.us Presents Path for Reform to Meet the Needs of American Communities
Click here for additional photos of the launch event of “A Better Way Forward”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, FWD.us hosted an event featuring Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) to release “A Better Way Forward,” a new policy framework presenting bold and practical recommendations for policymakers to reimagine border security and reduce unauthorized migration.
The white paper, authored by Andrea Flores, Vice President of Immigration Policy and Campaigns at FWD.us, former policy advisor in the Obama and Biden administrations, and native of the Southern border, draws on over a decade of evidence and analysis of federal border and regional migration policies. It provides a first-of-its-kind blueprint to secure the border, modernize the asylum system, and expand legal pathways to the United States. The new framework includes the following six pillars, which represent major policy interventions designed to be implemented together in an integrated approach:
- Reducing Irregular Cross-Border Movement in the Region
- Expanding Access to Humanitarian and Labor Pathways Closer to Countries of Origin
- Increasing Legal Pathways to the United States
- Modernizing Border Security Infrastructure and Asylum Processing
- Reforming the U.S. Asylum System
- Developing a Federal Resettlement Process for Asylum Seekers
The launch event, held at the Wharf in Washington D.C., included remarks from FWD.us President Todd Schulte and a conversation moderated by CNN’s White House correspondent Priscilla Alvarez. Congresswoman Escobar and Andrea Flores discussed the need for Congress to enact a proactive policy response to the drivers of unauthorized migration to create a system that secures the border, modernizes the asylum system, and creates new legal pathways for immigrants. The event brought together stakeholders, partners, and advocates to support the new framework and FWD.us’ work to address the challenges facing the immigration system today.
Click here for additional photos of the launch event of “A Better Way Forward”
“I am grateful to have joined FWD.us today to share my perspective and goals regarding border security and immigration policy. As a representative from a border district, I have seen the deep-rooted problems of our immigration system and the impact of inaction to address them firsthand. This new framework is an excellent step toward creating an immigration system that strengthens our border without compromising our values. I plan to continue working with partners like FWD.us to achieve lasting, successful change,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) regarding the new framework and the need for action on immigration reform.
“We need new, affirmative policy ideas about the future of our immigration system, designed to create the fair, orderly, secure and just immigration system that will benefit all Americans in the decades ahead. Today’s event and the leadership of Congresswoman Escobar underscore the urgency of putting forward a policy framework to address the realities of migration and the border in order to move beyond the failed policies that have only eroded public trust and deepened political divisions in our country," said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us. “FWD.us is proud to lead in shaping new policy solution, and we look forward to continuing to develop new policy frameworks to help create the political space necessary for the broader immigration reforms that our country needs and deserves.”
Andrea Flores, Vice President of Immigration Policy and Campaigns at FWD.us, discussed the timeliness and importance of the framework, saying, “The consequences of a failed immigration system are clear, and American communities are in dire need of practical and humane solutions to restore order at the border and rebuild public trust in the U.S. immigration system. FWD.us is launching this policy framework to help elected leaders reimagine border security, modernize the asylum system, and reduce reliance on other countries to control our nation’s border security”
“We are grateful for the support of Congresswoman Escobar and our many other partners in Congress as we move closer toward advancing A Better Way Forward. Now is the time to learn from the many years of failed policies and work together towards this more effective set of solutions. A comprehensive approach is needed – and now is the time to take action,” continued Flores.
Click HERE for the full framework, “A Better Way Forward”
Click HERE for the Executive Summary
Click HERE to visit the new website and to sign up for updates
Click HERE to read the Foreign Affairs Article
