Americans have two core beliefs about immigration. The need for secure borders is indisputable, and the historic contributions of immigrants to our country are invaluable. Despite this consensus, federal legislative efforts have repeatedly failed to translate these principles into appropriate legislation.
In contrast, Utah has had great success in improving immigration management. Last year, the state expanded in-state tuition for refugees and asylum seekers. Utah has also led the way in vocational licensing reform for immigrants, making it easier for foreign-trained individuals to obtain vocational and specialty certifications. Both of these measures will help new Americans participate in Utah’s economy and succeed in the future.
Utah’s approach to immigration is set forth in the Utah Compact on Immigration. The agreement was adopted in 2010 by Utah businessmen, politicians, and civilian leaders and establishes a simple set of principles to guide immigration policy. The need for federal action to facilitate the immigration process, the importance of law enforcement, the fundamental value of the family, the contributions of immigrants to the state’s economy, and the welcoming attitude toward assimilating immigrants into American society. Emphasizes the role. In 2019, a group of Utah leaders reaffirmed the agreement.
To be clear, it would be inaccurate to think of Utah’s approach as half-hearted. This is where the average of policy extremes is of little use. Instead, this country and Utah need both secure borders and access to the world’s talent. That means a variety of tools, including guarded walls and guiding lights along legal routes.
This is why efforts like the one embodied in Congress’ HR2 will always fall short. This federal proposal has also recently made some headlines in Utah, thanks to a bill in the state Legislature. But HR2 is only concerned with building physical and paper barriers, and the recipe for creating secure borders includes these elements alongside new legal routes into the country. I’m missing out on what’s going on.
Enforcement-only strategies fail to recognize that robust border security and thoughtful immigration reform are complementary rather than contradictory goals. Creating and expanding legal avenues for immigration is more than just a show of compassion. Rather, it is a strategic element of a comprehensive border security framework.
This is why other federal proposals, like the Dignity Act, for example, are more promising solutions. The proposal includes $35 billion for border security as well as the creation of legal pathways for immigration. This law emphasizes the principle that effective border security involves more than physical barriers. We need a comprehensive strategy that includes promoting legal immigration.
The findings make clear that our immigration strategy is about more than just building walls. That’s the core advice from Victor M. Manjarrez, a veteran former Border Patrol agent turned academic. As Manjares explains, a system without accessible legal recourse blurs the distinction between individuals seeking a better life and those who pose a genuine security threat. Therefore, a key benefit of combining legal measures with investment in border security is that it exposes those who actually endanger public safety.
Unmasking means taking several policy steps. We need to hire additional Border Patrol agents, build barriers in reasonable locations, and create corridors for guest workers. Each of these enhances the effectiveness of the others.
In the past, Utah was a prime example of this style of immigration management. About a decade ago, the state passed a guest worker program to bring needed workers to the state. The US Congress has failed to do its part to make that happen. Today, Governor Spencer Cox made a similar request to the federal government, and Congressman John Curtis proposed a federal-state-based visa program that would give states the ability to attract the workers they need.
Utah’s leaders can continue to lead by example on immigration and advance policies that are consistent with the values and needs of our people and the broader American spirit. Utah can pave the way for a more effective approach to immigration policy by advocating for reforms that secure our borders and honor our history as a nation of immigrants.
Josh T. Smith He is director of immigration policy at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University and writes a monthly newsletter on immigration policy. entry point.