Moving beyond the us vs. them debate
The dangers of anti-immigrant rhetoric are more apparent than ever. Effective framing can help increase public understanding of the importance of immigration to our nation’s social and economic wellbeing, and build support for solutions that are big enough to address the problem.
What the Research Tells Us
Emphasize our shared humanity.
Offer consistent, explicit reminders that we all have innate human dignity and worth—and that to live to our values, we need to treat each and every person with dignity.
Know when to pivot to pragmatism.
When opponents suggest extreme anti-immigrant policies, they’re activating the mindset that unauthorized immigrants are “law-breakers.” Humanizing language won’t work as a counter-message here. Pivot to pragmatic concerns like community disruption or feasibility.
Avoid jargon and partisan language.
The public thinks of immigration policy as a political football, and if people haven’t chosen a team, they’ve tuned out. To reinvigorate a shared conversation, avoid political terms like “comprehensive immigration reform.” Lean into everyday language.
Resources / Immigration
Building Public Understandings of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Welcome to Building Public Understanding of Comprehensive Immigration Reform—a collection of framing research, recommendations, and sample communications.
May 23, 2016
