Deliberative Dialogue event fosters conversation about immigration

A group of more than 100 from Elon and the broader community gathered Monday to undertake a “Deliberative Dialogue” about different approaches to immigration in a discussion guided by resources from the National Issues Forums. 

Elon has regularly hosted “Deliberative Dialogue” events that seek to foster civil discussion about complex societal topics including climate change, public safety and justice, and immigration. Organized by the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement and the Council on Civic Engagement, the hour-long event on Sept. 24 encouraged participants to discuss various approaches to immigration policy while considering both the pros and the cons. 

“This is not a wide-open venting session without structure or goals,” said Lucy Jones ’19, the student coordinator for the event. “We want you to take seriously the other side that you might not agree with.”

Titled “Coming to America: Who Should We Welcome, What Should We Do?“ the event sought to bring structure to the discussion. Participants were broken into seven groups, with each group asked to examine a particular approach to immigration while weighing the benefits and the drawbacks to the approach. Options considered included: 

• Welcome Immigrants, Be a Beacon of Freedom
  This option says that immigration has helped make America what it is today- a dynamic and diverse culture, an engine of the global economy, and a beacon of freedom around the world.
• Enforce the Law, Be Fair to Those Who Follow the Rules
  This option says we need a fair system, where the rules are clear and, above all, enforced. With an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally, our current system is unjust and uncontrolled. 
• Slow Down and Rebuild Our Common Bonds
  This option recognizes that newcomers have strengthened American culture in the past. But the current levels of immigration are so high, and the country is now so diverse, that we must regain our sense of national purpose and identity.

Organizers explained that the goal was to find common ground while also inspiring continued conversations on the topic with others after the event. The group discussions were private, with the participants then coming back together as a large group to share the results of their discussions. 

“This is about listening to each other’s opinions and being able to share your own opinion,” said Sylvia Muñoz, associate director for the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education and the director of El Centro de Español.