Oct 24, 2018 12:00:00 AM
You’ve suffered long hours, layoffs and exposure to dangerous chemicals at work, and received reduced pensions...You haven’t gotten a raise in years, and there is no talk of one. Actually, if you are short a high school diploma, or even a BA, your income has dropped over the last 20 years...You see people cutting in line ahead of you! You’re following the rules. They aren’t.These feelings—this story—make it hard for some to lead with compassion on immigration. Of course, this can be tough for for progressives like me. [pullquote position="right"]The facts on the ground are not accommodating to these angry folks’ feelings.[/pullquote] Immigrants make great community members. They’re net economic assets to their communities. They integrate quickly and succeed in school. Most bring significant skills and education credentials. Immigrants pay billions in U.S. taxes— whether or not they’re here legally. Some U.S. newcomers have broken our immigration laws. Most have not. In many cases, it’s unclear. But there’s no serious debate over whether or not they make the United States better. While there’s no disputing the facts, facts are not the coin of this realm. This is democracy. This is politics. It doesn’t matter if you’re right. Politics runs on embryonic, deeply felt emotions—on hopes and fears. In 2018, those hopes and fears are fueled by a heady mix of authentic gripes, deliberate fearmongering by some of our leaders and carefully crafted media echo chambers.
Conor P. Williams is a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, and an expert on urban education reform, English learner students, children of immigrants, early education programs, and school choice systems. He is also a founding partner with the Children’s Equity Project. Williams was previously a senior researcher in New America’s Education Policy Program, a senior researcher in its Early Education Initiative, and the founding director of its Dual Language Learners National Work Group. He has taught postsecondary courses at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. Williams is a regular columnist at the 74 Million. His work has also been published by the New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, Washington Post, TIME, The New Republic, Slate, Dissent, The Daily Beast, Vox, Talking Points Memo, and elsewhere. Williams holds a PhD and MA in government from Georgetown University, an MS in teaching from Pace University, and a BA in government and Spanish from Bowdoin College. Before beginning his doctoral research, he taught first grade in Brooklyn, New York. Williams attended public schools for his K–12 education, and has three children enrolled in public Title I schools in Washington, D.C.
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