What is a New Border Vision?
A New Border Vision is a framework for positive and compassionate action. In light of the recent deployment of Border Patrol Tactical Units (BORTAC) to "sanctuary cities" across the country, now is the time to recognize that border policies can affect us all, no matter where we are in the country. Now is the time to create responsive and responsible border policies based on good governance for the 21st century.
A New Border Vision focuses on three priorities for creating good border governance:
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EXPAND PUBLIC SAFETY. Public safety depends on public trust, but there can be no trust when the administration treats migrants as criminals and targeted residents as second-class citizens. We must decriminalize migration, hold border authorities accountable wherever they operate, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
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PROTECT HUMAN LIFE. Our borders should be a model to the world on how to protect and uphold human rights. Instead, we have separated families, denigrated migrants, and threatened people with tactics that endanger life. We must preserve life above all else and support humanitarian acts that proactively save people.
- WELCOME PEOPLE AT THE BORDER. Our welcoming system must respond to border residents, migrants, merchants and visitors in an effective, efficient, and humane way — one that takes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. This means border authorities should play a limited role to identify and clear people, or they refer them as needed, for humanitarian assistance.
Looking for a comprehensive summary of the resolution to read or distribute? Check out this one-pager:
TAKE ACTION TO PASS NBV RESOLUTIONS
The Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC) is moving local resolutions to adopt a New Border Vision. We are using resolutions to create the language of possibility and build momentum for policy reform at the national level. We invite you to introduce an NBV resolution in your local governing body, especially in cities that the Trump administration has targeted as “sanctuary cities.” Contact Erin Tsurumoto Grassi for a resolution template and assistance with strategy: [email protected].
Click below to read examples of recently passed New Border Vision resolutions.
JOIN THE NEW BORDER VISION COALITIONA New Border Vision is a guide to change the way we think about borders. Join us in embracing a New Border Vision — check out the growing coalition of supporting groups, sign on as an individual supporter, and add your organization to our coalition by clicking below. |