Talking Points

Building an Echo Chamber

As we get ready for a national debate on immigration reform, it’s worth pausing for a moment to appreciate one visible success that will serve us well in the months and years to come: a chorus of united and effective messaging.

As many of you know, The Opportunity Agenda’s past research found a major communications gap in the public debate over immigration and immigrants in America. While the anti-immigration movement has pursued a disciplined core narrative with two clear elements—law and order and overwhelming of scarce resources—our 2007 media analysis found that advocates for immigrant human rights, integration, and comprehensive reform were using many disparate, often conflicting messages with no clear or cohesive narrative.

In response, we have been working with hundreds of advocates and spokespeople around the country to create and use a core narrative for immigrant inclusion and human rights, invoking shared themes to tell a common story that moves hearts, minds, and policy. The resulting narrative includes three main themes: workable solutions, upholding our values, and moving forward together.

In less than two years, the narrative has caught on far beyond the circle of advocates who helped to craft it: a recent Google search of the basic narrative, for example, found nearly 7,000 hits, from advocates, to bloggers, to policymakers, to faith leaders, to organized labor, and everyday folks. It is beginning to pervade news reporting, blog coverage, and political discourse as well.

The narrative is being used to advance commonsense immigration reform, but also to promote more positive attitudes and policies at the federal, state and community level—from due process, to educational access, to just law enforcement practices, to economic and community integration, and beyond.

Below are just a few examples of how the narrative is being used by these spokespeople and in the media. Please share with us your own narrative messaging examples, along with anecdotes about how the narrative is working, at partners@opportunityagenda.org.

The Augusta Chronicle, Associated Press, “Activists Launch Immigration Reform Campaign,” June 1, 2009.

“Our immigration system is broken and we need a practical, workable solution in order for us to move forward as a nation,” said Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, which is leading Georgia's effort.

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that move us forward together.

Nebraska Appleseed Blog, Darcy Tromanhauser, Nebraska Faith Leaders and Public Call for Action on Immigration Reform This Year, September 9, 2009.

“It is time for workable solutions that help us move forward together,” said Fr. Ernesto Medina of Omaha. “We have a moral responsibility to know how the system works and make sure it is something we can stand behind. Nebraska families and communities are urgently in need of a solution.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that move us forward together and uphold our values: This statement combines all three themes of the narrative by referencing moral responsibility, practicality, and community solutions.

Center for New Community, Press Release, “Center for New Community Supports Senate Hearing on Immigration,” April 30, 2009.

“Center for New Community (CNC) applauds discussions on immigration that explore practical solutions that protect families, working people, our nation, and the economy. The Subcommittee is expected to hear testimony from a wide range of panelists, including experts from law enforcement, economics, faith, labor, and civil rights. "We are encouraged by the diversity of voices that will speak to the Senate today," said Rev. David Ostendorf, CNC's Executive Director, "Unfortunately, there will also be intolerant voices represented on the panel - panelists like Kris Kobach, who represents anti-immigrant groups that stand in the way of real, workable solutions to our broken immigration system.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions, with a nod to upholding our values by pointing out the voices of hate that often accompany anti-immigrant efforts.

The Washington Post, Gabriel Salguero, Pastor, Director Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary, and Executive Member, Latino Leadership Circle, “On Faith: Immigration Reform is a Christian Issue,” July 8, 2009.

“Evangelical clergy are asking for a workable reform that respects the law and conserves human dignity. Not reforming is not a viable option; people will remain in the shadows and families will continually be separated.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that uphold our values.

Oakland Globe, “Labor Day in church: From pulpits, urgent call for immigration reform (PDF),” September 9, 2009.

“We must remember we are all in this together,” the pastor continued. “Our religious values call upon us to recognize the value of each human being. We must come together in the spirit of fellowship and support solutions that lift all of our communities out of poverty, including a just and compassionate immigration reform. As the gospel reminds us, ‘I was a stranger and you invited me in … whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.’”

Narrative Example: Uphold our values with solutions that move us forward together: This statement talks explicitly of values and solutions, while reminding audiences that reform is about all of us.

Huffington Post, Representative Luis Gutierrez "Comprehensive Immigration Reform, A.S.A.P.,” December 14, 2009.

“This is a crisis. It's a crisis of human and civil rights, it's a crisis of our economy and our workforce, and it's a crisis of national security. This is why we cannot wait any longer. The Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act of 2009 is a solution that we, as a nation of immigrants, can be proud of.

We've waited a long time for this — a workable solution to our immigration crisis.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions: an emphasis on solutions, combined with the campaign narrative call for action now.

New Jersey Immigrant Coalition, Press Release, On the Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigration Policy Report, March 30, 2009.

“Understanding New Jersey's historic role as a gateway of opportunity for the tens of millions of immigrants who have landed on its shores, the report lays the groundwork for making real solutions that moves all of New Jersey forward together. Its fact-based findings and recommendations address critical issues that affect all New Jersey residents, regardless of status, and their children. Issues like education, public safety, social services and labor demand workable solutions that are based on reality, not ideology or xenophobia. As communities throughout New Jersey and the nation pull together amidst this difficult economic landscape, this report is crucial to our future growth.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that move us forward: This statement talks about how practical solutions on immigration are good for all New Jersey residents, not just immigrants. It also contrasts workable solutions with divisive anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric that divide communities.

SEIU, Principles for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

“As the largest union of immigrant workers, and the second largest union in the U.S., we expect that our nation's leaders will enact workable solutions to our immigration problems and that they will recognize that punitive, anti-immigrant measures are neither realistic nor workable. It is not only right, but also critical to our Nation's long-term interest that we treat immigrant workers in accordance with our nation's highest values. Doing so will tie all workers closer together—regardless of their backgrounds—and build the strength and unity of working people so we can better address the myriad of challenges that plague America's working families.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that move us forward together: This statement underscores that reform is a practical approach to improving the lot of all workers.

United Farm Workers, Press Release, UFW Foundation Joins Rally For Comprehensive Immigration Reform, October 13, 2009.

“The UFW Foundation is convinced that a comprehensive immigration reform is not only the first step towards achieving economic recovery, but it is also in tune with the great values of this country.”

Narrative Example: Our nation’s values: An explicit tie to our values, emphasizing that reform is practical AND the right thing to do.

The Desert Sun, Nicole Brambila, Report: One in five Inland Empire residents are immigrants, January 26, 2010.

“Immigrants are a part of us,” said Reshma Shamasunder, director of the California Immigrant Policy Center.

“They makeup more than a quarter of the California population and more than a third of the workforce.

“They’re consumers. They help our local economies thrive and they contribute billions each year.”

Narrative Example: Moving forward together. Stressing that immigrants are part of our communities and economy underscores that reform and other solutions are help the entire community, not just immigrants.

New York Immigration Coalition, Press Release, On Governor Paterson's Appointment of Representative Kirsten Gillibrand to U.S. Senate, January 23, 2009.

“At a time when Congress has a clear mandate to fix our broken immigration system, we don’t need rhetoric that divides us, pitting immigrant workers against native-born workers; we need solutions that bring us together and make America stronger. We hope that in her new position representing the state as a whole, Senator Gillibrand will be a strong advocate for just and humane immigration reform, devising a practical and realistic solution to bringing undocumented immigrants into the system and reforming our immigration system so that it is fairer to all.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions: This language paints a contrast between divisive policies, and sensible ones that reflect reality.

Move forward together: The statement emphasizes that these solutions will help everyone here, not just immigrants.

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, Press Release, On report and recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigration Policy, March 2009.

“The creation of this panel certainly demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that all New Jersey residents enjoy equal opportunities to participate in the wealth, culture and diversity of this state,” said Public Advocate Chen. “I share that commitment and feel honored to be part of this effort. On a state level, we must work toward developing policies and programs that encourage our newest residents to integrate into our communities, helping to fuel our economic growth, enhance our social network and enrich our cultural fabric. This panel will work hard toward achieving these vital goals.”

Narrative Example: Move forward together: Stresses that it’s about all New Jersey residents.

Workable solutions: The statement goes into detail about how pro-immigrant solutions help New Jersey.

Des Moines Register, Thomas Rendon, Member, Iowa Citzens for Community Improvement., “Guest Column: Toll too High: Push Forward Now to Reform Immigration,” June 23, 2009.

“America wants a system that reflects its values, one that combines fairness, accountability, justice and a heavy dose of pragmatism. We want a nation that lives its motto of e pluribus unum, out of many, one.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that uphold our nation’s values. Naming common values unites readers.

NYIC Press Statement on CIR-ASAP, “Long-Awaited Immigration Reform Bill Introduced in Congress,” December 15, 2009.

“New Yorkers, like all Americans, want real solutions to fix our broken immigration system,” said Ms. Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). “For far too long, divisiveness and demagoguery have characterized the immigration debate. While that’s gone on, we’ve seen families separated for years on end, communities torn apart, detentions without due process, and enforcement efforts that amount to exercises in cruelty, futility, and squandered resources. What we need ASAP are real solutions. This bill—CIR ASAP—marks a critical first step in that direction. We look forward to reviewing the details of the bill and working with members of the House, with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and with President Obama to achieve real reform. We remind all our leaders that we can’t wait any longer to tackle the challenge of passing reforms that will benefit our economy, treat hardworking people with dignity, honor family unity, and uphold our values and traditions as a nation.”

Narrative Example: Workable solutions that uphold our nation’s values: This statement contrasts real solutions with divisiveness and names the values we want to protect.

State of Maryland, Executive Order 01.01.2008.18 and Governor’s Press Release, Executive Order Establishes Council to Promote Full Immigrant Integration into Economic and Civic Life of Maryland, December 5, 2008.

Governor O’Malley [said]: “Immigrants’ access to mainstream financial services helps ensure the economic health of our state and promotes the full-fledged participation of immigrants in community life. Creating a proactive policy for New Americans in Maryland within a fair and legal framework will ensure that workers get the protection they deserve, while increasing Maryland’s economic competitiveness.”

“The Federal Government has failed to enact meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform and has placed significant pressure upon state and local governments,” added Governor O’Malley. “This Executive Order is a proactive step in ensuring that New Americans in Maryland have a meaningful opportunity to succeed.”

Narrative Example: Move forward together: this language describes how pro-immigrant policies will help and protect ALL workers, underscoring that we’re all in this together.

Workable solutions: As a contrast to stalling in Washington, this executive order is an example of a state taking a proactive measure toward solutions.