“Everything’s a conversation,” meaning, we can talk about it. Hang around me long enough, you’re bound to hear said statement. There is nothing we can’t talk about. That doesn’t mean the exchange will be easy nor simple nor even all that pleasant. What it does mean, though, is that we value one another enough to graciously interact, listen well and work to understand what the other is thinking and feeling.
One of the reasons it seems we are currently collectively struggling to solve the current immigration issues is because we are unable to have a conversation. And because we can’t actually talk about it, we are trapped by political paralysis — a scenario in which nothing is solved and the rhetorical temps only continue to rise.
So let’s bring down the temp. Let’s converse. As long advocated here, the best conversations often begin with open-ended, thought-provoking questions. Such an approach invites curiosity and reflection. Such an approach also discourages any semblance of the always unattractive, fleetingly persuasive, hell and brimstone approach. No wise conversation relies on fear, threats nor vulgarity. Wise conversation motivates instead through understanding and encouragement.
What are the questions we should be asking and answering in regard to national security, our borders, ICE and immigration?
Let’s Try to Actually Solve This
- When we say “border security,” what do we actually mean — and how would we know if we’re getting it right?
- What should immigration policy balance at the same time: safety, fairness, economic need, and basic humanity — and where do those goals collide?
- Where have both parties leaned on slogans instead of solutions?
National Security (Without the Hype)
- What border-related security risks are real, and which ones get more airtime than evidence?
- How do we improve screening and vetting without treating every migrant like a threat?
- What do the actual crime and security data show — and where are we still guessing?
- How well do national security agencies, DHS, and border enforcement actually work together?
Managing the Border Like a System
- What mix of walls, technology, personnel, and law changes actually works best per dollar spent?
- If apprehension numbers aren’t the right scorecard, what is?
- What policies failed under both Democrat and Republican presidents — and why?
- How do we stop governing the border in “crisis mode” every few years?
ICE & Interior Enforcement
- What should ICE’s job be, and where has that mission gotten blurry?
- How do we enforce the law consistently while still protecting due process?
- What kind of oversight would build trust without tying enforcement in knots?
- Given limited resources, who should ICE realistically prioritize?
Fixing the Immigration System
- How can we revamp legal immigration so fewer people feel forced to cross illegally?
- What role should work visas play in easing border pressure and helping the economy?
- How much of the current mess is caused by massive backlogs and slow processing?
- How do we protect real asylum seekers while discouraging abuse of the system?
Accountability & Moving Forward
- When immigration policy fails, who actually owns that failure — Congress, the White House, or both?
- What clear metrics should be used to judge whether a policy is working?
- How do we write laws that don’t fall apart every time global conditions change?
- What compromises cross a line by clearly harming security or human dignity?
- Where do most Americans already agree, even if politicians don’t?
- If we were serious, what would a bipartisan 10-year plan look like — and how would we keep it from collapsing on contact with politics?
Just asking questions, friends… and of course, attempting to foster authentic, sincere, solution-oriented conversation.
Respectfully…
AR