Newt Gingrich a former speaker of the House has transitioned into a voice within public media on various aspects of immigration. His recent work includes the release of a new documentary as well as speaking about various issues that affect the culture today.
New Documentary: "Journey to America"
Gingrich along with his wife Callista released a PBS documentary called "Journey to America" . It showcased various immigrant experiences and highlights nine unique success stories to give a new outlook on the immigrant journey. The documentary is meant to illustrate the benefit of people legally immigrating to the U.S., as these legal immigrants have historically made up a major portion of this nations history.
Focus on Legal Immigration
This documentary gives prominence to legal immigrants as those who contribute significantly to the country and also offers examples from the past and the present day. A few examples includes Albert Einstein a refugee turned scientist, Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor and Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini all giving an opportunity to highlight the many ways immigrants can benefit the United States.
Immigration Policy Perspective
Gingrich gave a detailed view on his political views on immigration policies. He touched upon the difference between legal and illegal immigration and his views on Trump 's stance.
Distinction Between Legal and Illegal Immigration
He noted in an interview that legal immigrants deserve access into the U.S. and they should have fair process that acknowledges the differences between those wanting economic gain versus people who are facing danger in their home lands. While he may lean right in many viewpoints regarding government it should be noted that many across the spectrum can agree with his values. He also acknowledges there needs to be standards put in place but it is also important to give legal status for those that need it.
View on Refugee Admissions
He commented how immigration has had many twists and turns due to many different factors. However in recent discussion of new policies from the Trump administration which would limit refugee access he explains that those who can legitimately state a threat for their life should get a higher level of treatment. He used Afghan refugees as an example citing their help and assistance when aiding American military showing how this view is both practical and grounded.
Gingrich and the Trump Administration
There were discussions on current politics with Trump as a point of discussion. It also showed what types of work that may be done moving into the next set of policies with what Gingrich has advised.
Role as an Advisor and Influencer
Gingrich confirmed he has been in conversations with many in Trump's team while also advising certain directions and sharing some history. He and his wife also has support from the White House with Callista as the new ambassador to Switzerland, which shows how involved in all layers of government that their personal brand has extended into. The new position in government has prompted conversations of all sorts relating to his policy knowledge along with insight on world leaders.
Disagreement on Immigration Stance
Gingrich does however also express an opinion of “overreaction” and how the push against the system that has been broken has moved too far in the wrong direction. He mentions his belief that Donald Trump still has values which is pro immigrant for specific people which he states comes from the fact that Donald Trump’s mother was an immigrant from Scotland and that many people working in the administration also came from immigrant backgrounds. That also is a strong support for those who have aided the US through military engagement.
Promoting Legal Immigration
His intention behind the documentary and how his view aligns with a need for strong immigration practices all while making a stance for legal means only and providing the importance of a process that creates a secure yet just method for entry. He shows an overall hope that as American's it would be a point to encourage the immigration processes. His position as an authority for the political discourse gives a viewpoint of many who may or may not share all political beliefs yet agree with what many can see as common sense policies for the modern era.
Addressing Border Concerns
While the emphasis is on support for legal immigration it was clear Gingrich feels strongly that open borders should not be an option and that those who are illegaly immigrating often create a safety problem. These thoughts came into conversation when talking about violence due to illegal immigration which does not highlight all immigrations in that area just only focusing on a specific topic that needs attention.
Key Takeaways
- Newt Gingrich released a documentary called "Journey to America" which focuses on the positive contributions of legal immigrants.
- He believes there is an important difference between those who are migrating for economic needs vs those who are facing imminent danger for their lives.
- Gingrich feels the system has been flawed and while policy may need changes that he still stands firm that only those going through the process properly should have acess.
- He mentions a view that Donald Trump and others from previous administration lean toward having support of immigration especially with those that help the USA with their loyalty and commitment.
- He makes it a goal to have civil discussion that pushes for a well structured process all while supporting the immigration standards already in place in the modern U.S. culture.