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The immigration experience, one of moving from a familiar home to an uncertain future, takes incredible courage. While attacks on immigrants are dispiriting, to say the least, they can’t defeat that hope and search for opportunity. America has grown stronger because of newcomers who bring fresh ideas, valuable skills, and rich cultural traditions. Our country works best when everyone can participate and contribute, regardless of where they we born. We must continue to connect to these core values and protect them against those seeking to exclude and divide.

Here are five quick tips for talking about immigration in the face of attacks. These approaches will help you tell a hopeful story that looks toward a future over fear and celebrates opportunity for all.

1. Start with shared values. Talk about the America we all want to live in. Say things like: “This is about treating people with dignity and giving everyone a fair chance—values that make America special.” Before jumping into policy details, connect immigration to values most people share. When we start with what matters to all of us, people are more open to hearing us out and ready to listen to specific ideas. Also, talk about values outside of immigration – this will allow you to explain how the exploitation of people who immigrate is related to a range of issues and values we all care about.
2. Focus on common sense solutions. Recent executive orders and proposed legislation reflect backwards thinking and won’t serve us in the future. Emphasize that we need practical approaches that work for today’s world, not angry rhetoric that divides us. Try saying: “Instead of harsh policies based on fear, we need smart solutions that strengthen our communities and economy rather than enriching a select few billionaires.”
3. Show how these issues affect everyone. Immigration isn’t just an issue for immigrants—it impacts all our communities. Explain how unfair policies hurt everyone by saying: “When our neighbors live in fear, it makes our whole community less safe and less prosperous. Standing up for fair treatment benefits us all.”
4. Tell an affirmative story. Too much focus on correcting wrong information can just reinforce it in audiences’ minds. Instead of spending time correcting myths or misinformation, focus on sharing accurate, positive information. For example: “Immigrants start businesses at higher rates than people born here, creating jobs in our communities.” It also helps to have trusted community members share how they’ve built lives and communities with their immigrant neighbors.
5. Highlight how everyone’s participation makes us stronger. We all thrive when everyone can fully contribute and participate, gearing up our economic engine and moving us all forward together. Try saying: “When everyone has the chance to work, start businesses, and participate in community life, we all benefit from new ideas and stronger local economies.”