The National Issues Forums Institute (https://www.nifi.org/en/hidden-common-ground) will convene a series of Common Ground for Action (CGA) online deliberative forums during upcoming USA TODAY reporting on immigration reform and voting. 

We invite USA TODAY readers to deliberate Coming to America: Who Should We Welcome? What Should We Do? During our deliberation we will consider the values, actions and drawbacks to revising our immigration policy by discussing three different options for action:

(1) Welcome Immigrants, Be a Beacon of Freedom. This option says that immigration has helped make America what it is today- a dynamic and diverse culture, an engine of the global economy, and a beacon of freedom around the world; 

(2) Enforce the Law, Be Fair to Those Who Follow the Rules. This option says we need a fair system, where the rules are clear and, above all, enforced. With an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally, our current system is unjust and uncontrolled; 

(3) Slow Down and Rebuild Our Common Bonds. This option recognizes that newcomers have strengthened American culture in the past. But the current levels of immigration are so high, and the country is now so diverse, that we must regain our sense of national purpose and identity.

If you've never participated in a CGA forum, please watch the "How To Participate" video before joining. You can find the video link here: https://vimeo.com/findcommonground

CGA forums on immigration reform:

•Saturday July 18, 2020 at 4pm EST/1pm PST: 

           REGISTRATION

•Saturday July 25, 2020 at 4pm EST/1pm PST: 

           REGISTRATION

CGA forums on upcoming Hidden Common Ground report on voting reform:

•Saturday August 15, 2020 at 4pm EST/1pm PST:

REGISTRATION

•Saturday August 22, 2020 at 4pm EST/1pm PST 

REGISTRATION

For questions or comments on CGA forums, please email Dr. Kara Dillard, Assistant Professor in School of Communication Studies at James Madison University at kdillard@nifi.org.