Don’t weaponize migrants for political sport. Enact humane, constructive immigration reform | Opinion

Let’s face it: Our immigration system is as broken as our political and personal relationships. Clearly, we must do better.

Without question, there is no Florida without immigrants. Their presence strengthens us financially and culturally, especially in Miami-Dade and South Florida. Likewise, we have no control over the differing challenges and political circumstances that have brought people to our shores and borders. In most cases, neither do they; many migrants arrive in our cities vulnerable and desperately seeking refuge from unsafe conditions.

However, as they arrive, we have the opportunity to recognize our shared humanity, welcome them and embrace the diverse gifts and contributions they offer. Whether born in the United States or not, we recognize that all of us share similar fears and dreams. Our faith-based values remind us of this commonality. Notwithstanding, we recognize the importance of securing all our borders, not only for national security reasons, but also for the integrity of our immigration system. By acknowledging these tensions, we must elevate the urgency in balancing these needs.

The recent headlines of migrants being transported from Florida, Texas and Arizona to other parts of the country are troubling. By using asylum seekers as pawns in an attempt to divide Americans for political gain, everyone loses; migrants suffer more uncertainty, the American people feel betrayed and progress on passing meaningful immigration reforms is further delayed. These actions evoke immediate political backlash and emotional reactions, distracting the American people — and Congress — from taking solutions-oriented steps toward immigration reform.

Constructive pathways for immigration reforms do exist. Our congressional delegation has a unique ability to lead by enacting reforms this year. The American people are united across party lines: They want Congress to act on immigration reform. Polling by the National Immigration Forum shows that 79% of voters support immigration reforms that strengthen border security, create a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and ensure a legal, reliable workforce for America’s farmers and ranchers. And 72% want such reforms this year.

To compel Florida’s congressional delegation to have the political will to act, we need to stand up for the migrant neighbors in our communities and stand against continued attempts to weaponize them. In an election season, that also means making clear to candidates that we will not tolerate immigrants being used as pawns. Many of us are invited to campaign events and encouraged to donate to candidates running to represent us in Congress. Imagine if during the course of such an event, when the opportunity to ask questions is opened, we ask a candidate what they will do to fight back against the weaponization of immigrants and to fight forward with constructive paths to immigration reform. By shaping a candidate’s understanding of our expectations while they are seeking our votes, we are playing a more effective role as voters.

Continued weaponization will damage the very fabric of our communities, sowing distrust, weakening bipartisan relationships and, ultimately, damaging our ability to make progress on today’s most pressing political challenges. Reforms can benefit us all. At the same time that migrants are being transported between states, our country is suffering supply-chain disruptions, rampant inflation and crippling labor shortages in essential industries — all of which reforms could address.

About two-thirds of Americans believe that immigration reforms can help address these challenges, and we are tired of bearing the consequences of Congress failing to deliver on them. The American people — and the immigrants who call our communities home — need Congress to stop getting distracted by political attempts to weaponize immigration and come together in a bipartisan manner to deliver immigration reform this year. If they fail to do so before they recess for the election, then we must play our role on Nov. 8 and vote for the candidate we believe will fight forward with constructive paths to reform in the next Congress.

We cannot continue down this path of inaction. No one wins.

Marlon Hill is a Miami attorney and past president of the Caribbean Bar Association. Gloria Romero Roses is a small-business owner and past chair of The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade. Enid Weisman is an educator and mayor of the city of Aventura.