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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

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

May 16th, 6:12 am

Honoring Madeleine Albright (1937-2022) on her birthday today, she sadly passed away in March. Among many achievements, 1st female U.S. Sec. of State (1997-2001). Pres. Biden said of her, "In the 20th and 21st century, freedom had no greater champion." https://bit.ly/3L0PH9r ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

May 11th, 4:55 pm

From LWV MA: Support Reproductive Rights NOW - https://mailchi.mp/ab54191dae79/dec_28_2021-8864593 ... See MoreSee Less

From LWV MA: Support Reproductive Rights NOW

mailchi.mp

As League members, we know that true democracy depends on equal rights for all people. Losing our right to reproductive choice would open the door to the loss of other freedoms, such as marriage equ...
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

May 8th, 12:29 pm

Happy Mother’s Day! We thank all Mothers, for none of us would here without you! There were also many mother-daughter duos who fought together for suffrage: Elizabeth Cady Stanton/Harriet Stanton Blatch, Mary Church Terrell/Phyllis Terrell, and more! https://bit.ly/3vW5W1R ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

May 6th, 11:39 am

Some latest news from @LWV MA: http://participate.lwv.org/c/10065/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=232238 ... See MoreSee Less
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

May 6th, 11:35 am

On behalf of @LWV MA: The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts views the leaked Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, if it holds, as an attack on a fundamental right to health care and to the right of pregnant people to make their own decisions about what is best for them. In light of the probable overturning of Roe v. Wade, the League expresses its gratitude to the Massachusetts state legislature for passing, in 2020, the ROE Act, legislation that codified the right to an abortion in Massachusetts regardless of any U.S. Supreme Court decision. We salute our partners in reproductive health advocacy for their work in anticipating the need for this legislation.We now urge the legislature to continue this work protecting the right to make one's own health care decisions by passing without delay two additional bills:H.1196/S.673 An Act ensuring access to full spectrum pregnancy care. This bill would provide financial assistance for a full-range of pregnancy-related care. See our testimony: https://lwvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LWVMA-Testimony-S.673-H.1196.pdfH.2399/S.1470 An Act to require public universities to provide medication abortion. See our testimony: https://lwvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LWVMA-Testimony-S.1470-H.2399.pdfThe national League of Women Voters continues to advocate for these rights on the federal level. Read their statement here: https://lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/… ... 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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