National Immigration Forum

National Immigration Forum is a United States-based organization that seeks to promote immigration reform and advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees. The organization works with Congress, the White House, and other stakeholders to shape immigration policy and promote a more inclusive and welcoming society for all, including Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. The National Immigration Forum has been a key player in the immigration debate in the United States, working with organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the National Council of La Raza, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The organization has also partnered with faith-based organizations such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals to promote comprehensive immigration reform.

● History

The National Immigration Forum was founded in 1982 by Rick Swartz, a immigration lawyer and advocate, with the goal of promoting immigration reform and advocating for the rights of immigrants and refugees. Over the years, the organization has been led by prominent figures such as Frank Sharry and Ali Noorani, who have played a key role in shaping the organization's mission and objectives. The National Immigration Forum has worked on various immigration reform efforts, including the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which was sponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator John McCain. The organization has also worked with other organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center, to promote immigrant rights and challenge anti-immigrant legislation.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The National Immigration Forum's mission is to promote immigration reform and advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees. The organization's objectives include promoting comprehensive immigration reform, protecting the rights of Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders, and promoting a more inclusive and welcoming society for all, including asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors. The organization works to achieve these objectives by engaging in advocacy and policy work, as well as providing education and training to community leaders and immigration advocates. The National Immigration Forum has also worked with organizations such as the Migration Policy Institute and the Center for American Progress to promote evidence-based policy and challenge misinformation about immigration.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Immigration Forum engages in advocacy and policy work to promote immigration reform and advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees. The organization works with Congress, the White House, and other stakeholders to shape immigration policy and promote a more inclusive and welcoming society for all, including LGBTQ+ immigrants and immigrant women. The National Immigration Forum has advocated for policies such as pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protection for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders, and increased funding for refugee resettlement programs, which are supported by organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. The organization has also worked with state and local governments, such as the California State Legislature and the New York City Council, to promote pro-immigrant policies and challenge anti-immigrant legislation.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The National Immigration Forum has launched several programs and initiatives to promote immigration reform and advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees. These include the New American Workforce program, which provides job training and career advancement opportunities for immigrants, and the Faith and Immigration program, which works with faith-based organizations to promote immigrant rights and challenge anti-immigrant rhetoric. The organization has also launched the Immigration Advocacy program, which provides training and support to immigration advocates and community leaders, and the Refugee Advocacy program, which works to promote refugee protection and resettlement policies, in partnership with organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Refugee Council USA.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The National Immigration Forum is led by Ali Noorani, who has served as the organization's executive director since 2008. The organization's board of directors includes prominent figures such as Rupert Murdoch, Grover Norquist, and Leith Anderson, who have played a key role in shaping the organization's mission and objectives. The National Immigration Forum has also received support from foundations and donors, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations, which have provided funding for the organization's programs and initiatives.

● Criticisms_and_Controversies

The National Immigration Forum has faced criticisms and controversies over the years, including accusations of being too moderate and not doing enough to challenge anti-immigrant legislation. Some immigrant rights groups have criticized the organization for working with conservative and business groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Restaurant Association, which have been accused of promoting anti-immigrant policies. The organization has also faced criticism for its support of border security measures, such as the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush. Despite these criticisms, the National Immigration Forum remains a key player in the immigration debate in the United States, working with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center to promote immigrant rights and challenge anti-immigrant legislation.