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Consensus Studies - US

Where does the League stand on immigration?

February 14, 2017

For those of you who were wondering what position the League of Women Voters has regarding immigration, below is the position from the national League of Women Voters website at lwv.org on immigration.  This was created through a national consensus study completed in 2008.

The League’s History

In the 111th Congress, the League lobbied in support of the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act that would provide a path to citizenship for young immigrants who complete a college degree or serve in the military, thereby enabling them to be a fully productive part of American society. The legislation passed the House, but lacked enough votes to overcome a filibuster in the Senate.

The League’s Position

The League of Women Voters believes that immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of the United States; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises. Provision should also be made for qualified persons to enter the United States on student visas. All persons should receive fair treatment under the law.

The League supports federal immigration law that provides an efficient, expeditious system (with minimal or no backlogs) for legal entry of immigrants into the United States.

To complement these goals the League supports federal policies to improve economies, education, job opportunities and living conditions in nations with large emigrating populations.

In transition to a reformed system, the League supports provisions for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status

The League supports federal payments to impacted communities to address the financial costs borne by states and local governments with large immigrant populations.

Criteria for Legal Admission to the United States

The League supports the following criteria for legal admission of persons into the United States:

  • Family reunification of spouses or minor children with authorized immigrants or citizens;
  • Flight from persecution or response to humanitarian crises in home countries;
  • Economic, business and employment needs in the Unites States;
  • Education and training needs of the United States;
  • Educational program opportunities; and
  • Lack of a history of serious criminal activity.
Administration and Enforcement

The League supports due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal and right to humane treatment.

The League supports:

  • Improved technology to facilitate employer verification of employee status;
  • Verification documents, such as status cards and work permits, with secure identifiers;
  • Significant fines and penalties for employers who hire unauthorized workers;
  • Improved technology for sharing information among federal agencies;
  • More effective tracking of individuals who enter the United States; and
  • Increased personnel at borders.

The League also supports programs allowing foreign workers to enter and leave the United States to meet seasonal or sporadic labor needs.

Unauthorized Immigrants Already in the United States

In achieving overall policy goals, the League supports a system for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status, including citizenship, by paying taxes, learning English, studying civics and meeting other relevant criteria. While policy reforms, including a path to legal status, remain unachieved, the League does not support deporting unauthorized immigrants who have no history of criminal activity.

League does not support deporting unauthorized immigrants who have no history of criminal activity.

Statement of Position on Immigration, as Announced by National Board, April 2008.

Categories: Consensus Studies - US, LWV US

Money in Politics Consensus Meeting–Thursday, January 28th

January 24, 2016

LWVN will host a second topic/consensus meeting on Money in Politics, part of the LWVUS study.  This is an evening meeting for those who couldn’t attend the lunchtime meeting earlier this month, or those who want to discuss the issue a second time.  This meeting will be held in the NewTV Conference Room on Needham Street, from 7 to 9 p.m.

 

Categories: Consensus Studies - US, Events, LWV US

Join us for these upcoming LWVN and LWVMA events!

January 17, 2016

Tuesday, January 19th:  LWVN will host a light supper for our elected officials at the start of a new session.  Join us at 6 p.m. at Newton City Hall in Room 205 and meet both new and incumbent officials.  If you can help volunteer set-up or clean up, please contact info@lwvnewton.org.

Friday, January 22nd:  Our first LWVN Book Group meeting will be at the Waban Library Center from 7 – 9 p.m!  We will discuss American Nations:  A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America, by Colin Woodard (2011).

Thursday, January 28th:  LWVN will host a second topic/consensus meeting on Money in Politics, part of the LWVUS study.  This is an evening meeting for those who couldn’t attend last week’s lunchtime meeting, or those who want to discuss the issue a second time.  This meeting will be held in the NewTV Conference Room on Needham Street, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, February 3rd:  The February Topic Meeting will be held from 11:30 am to 1 p.m. in the NewTV Conference Room.  Topic is still being confirmed…look for more info in future emails.

Tuesday, February 9th:  LWVMA’s Day on the Hill is a chance to listen and discuss what the state League is working on, and to meet our state legislators.  If you are planning to attend, please contact info@lwvnewton.org for specifics about registering and meeting times and places.

Categories: Consensus Studies - US, Events, LWV MA

January Topic Meeting: Money in Politics

January 10, 2016

Please join us to discuss the Consensus Questions for Money in Politics

Thursday January 14, 2016
11:30-1:00 pm, NewTV Conference Room
Brown bag lunches welcome

The LWVUS Board is seeking our input to this important and complex issue. The League’s position on Campaign Finance reflects continuing concern for open and honest elections and for maximum citizen participation in the political process. This meeting will document Newton’s thoughts on these issues, and will advise National for their review of these issues.

 

Categories: Consensus Studies - US, Events, LWV US

January 13: Keeping the American Promise: Money, Free Speech & Democracy

January 4, 2016

January 13, 2016, 7:30-9:30 pm in Concord:

As part of LWV of Concord-Carlisle’s Democracy in the Balance Program and the National League Constitutional Amendment and Money in Politics studies, The Concord-Carlisle and Acton Leagues are sponsoring a public forum to explore the issue of free speech rights as the basis of the Citizens United decision. They will discuss how to protect free speech and still keep the promise of a healthy democracy, representative of all the people.  The keynote speaker will be constitutional lawyer and author, Jeffrey Clements.  This event will take place on January 13, 2016, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord, MA.  NOTE:  Snow date is January 15th, same time/place.  

Categories: Consensus Studies - US, Events

Topic/Consensus Meeting on Thursday, October 15th, 11:30 am – 1 pm

October 12, 2015

Join LWVN members to learn about and discuss the LWVUS study on the process for amending the US Constitution.  The question that will be discussed is:  what are the shared values and beliefs within the League – what consensus do we have – regarding the circumstances that might allow or compel the League to endorse a constitutional amendment or an Article V Convention?

This topic meeting will be at NewTV in the conference room.  Feel free to bring your lunch to enjoy along with the discussion.

More information to prepare for the meeting can be found here:

  • Constitutional Amendment Study Guide (pdf)
  • Constitutional Amendment Consensus Questions (pdf)
  • Additional information from LWV US

Categories: Consensus Studies - US, Events

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Cover for League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

6 days ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of the MA 4th District on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:30pm!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/event/congressmanauchincloss-feb2023/Register at bit.ly/talk-with-jake ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 weeks ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
LWVN is again offering two scholarships to high school seniors in Newton! We are pleased to have increased our scholarship award for the class of 2023 to $2,000 each!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/lwvn-scholarship-program/Candidates should apply online at bit.ly/LWVNAPPLY23 by March 1, 2023. ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Election Day is one week away! Not sure what's on the ballot or how to vote in the midterm elections? Get your election questions answered at www.vote411.org and watch forums on the 4 Massachusetts ballot questions at lwvma.org/ballot-question-forums/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Don't miss your chance to vote! The last day to register to vote in the 2022 MA elections is Saturday, October 29!FACT: It takes an average of two minutes to register to vote and tomorrow is the deadline! Go to registertovotema.com to register or update your information now. ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Your voice matters!Newton voters can vote early at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave:Saturdays - 9am to 3pmSundays - 11am to 5pmWeekdays - 8:30am to 5pmGot weekend plans? 📢 Early voting sites open tomorrow! Find your local polling hours and locations: www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx⁠👉️ Before you head to the polls, check out our nonpartisan voters' guide at VOTE411.org to compare candidates side-by-side by reading their views on major issues in their own words. Our guide also includes information on the state-wide ballot questions. ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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