Brown And Black Forum: Immigration Reform and Economy – The Media Hq
Over the next few weeks, eight of the remaining Democratic presidential nominees met in Des Moines on Monday (January 20) to discuss their health and social justice issues at the Brown & Black Forum, hosted by VICE News and Kashmiri Originals.
Surveys show wage inequality, general economic injustice and the current governments stance on immigration as the basis for the Black-LatinX vote.
In response, Demoratics hopes doubled on popular issues such as raising the minimum wage and creating a path to citizenship.
RELATED: Brown & Black Presidential Forum Gives Gen Z and Millennials a Voice
The former Vice President took part in the forum Joe BidenSen. Bernie Sanders from Vermont, Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, Sen. Michael Bennet from Colorado, former Vice President Joe Biden, Ex-mayor Pete Buttigieg, former representative John Delaney by Maryland and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and entrepreneurs Andrew Yang,
The forum was moderated by correspondents from VICE News Antonia Hylton. Alzo Slade, Paola Ramos. Dexter Thomas. David Noriegon, Krishna Andavolu, and Roberto Ferdman,
This is what the candidates said at the Brown and Black Forum on immigration and the economy.
RELATED: How the Black Economic Alliance Blames Presidential Candidates
Michael Bennet
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet was the first to step onto the Des Moines stage.
Bennet quickly realized that his campaign had a name recognition problem after moderator Alzo Slade pointed out that New York Magazine described her as the mild white man youve never heard of.
I am not as well known as other candidates, but I think the ideas that I am pushing forward in this campaign will make the biggest difference for children living in poverty in this country.
Bennets economic plan provides for an increase in the tax credit for children, paid family vacation, a tax credit for earned income, and an increase in the minimum wage for companies that can afford to do so.
When Bennet asked the question whether companies that cannot afford a living wage should still be in business, he said: A wage is better than NO wages. This opinion is in stark contrast to candidates like Sanders and Warren who advocate one Minimum wage of $ 15.
Joe Biden
When former Vice President Joe Biden took to the stage in Des Moines, he was criticized for his attachment to the record number of deportations by the Obama administration.
Biden, however, stopped criticizing the previous government directly.
As we did when we reformed the system with the DACA, I wouldnt leave them behind bars, Biden said of the Obama administrations Deferred Action for Child Arrivals program that one way the country would have offered illegal citizenship for undocumented immigrants as children.
Instead, Biden supports the implementation of a system in which those who cross the border are not imprisoned, but are followed with an anklet.
Unlike some of his opponents, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, Bidens plan is no longer addressing more advanced measures, such as decriminalizing border crossing and introducing a temporary moratorium on deportation. In addition to supporting a minimum wage of $ 15, Biden is keen to support unions and take action against companies that try to stop collective bargaining.
Pete Buttigieg
The moderators urged former South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg to fight for resonance among minority voters.
Buttigieg used his screen time in front of a diverse audience to reaffirm his plan to address inequality and what he calls the Trump administrations discriminatory policy towards Latinos.
Buttigiegs plan includes creating a path to citizenship for immigrants who live, work and pay taxes, end family separation, and update immigration laws to meet todays economic and humanitarian needs.
Buttigieg not only supports raising the federal minimum wage to $ 15, but also supports the Paycheck Fairness Act. The law, passed by the House of Representatives last year, would prohibit employers from using an employees history of wages to determine wages, and would give employers the right to discuss wages without retaliation and to justify wage differentials.
Bernie Sanders
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders boldly replied when the moderators described his agenda as radical.
Raise the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour: is that radical? Cancellation of all student loan debts. Radical? Immigration Reform: Radical? , Sanders asked the audience, who said with a loud NO! Replied.
On his website, Sanders immigration proposal includes the use of executive measures to protect unauthorized immigrants who have lived in the United States for more than five years from deportation.
Sanders also plans to implement tax breaks for large corporations to remove tax loopholes and reliefs that benefit only the rich and to raise tax rates for the top 0.2% of wealthy Americans.
Im a very data-driven guy, but Im 100% confident that putting $ 40 billion in Black and Browns hands every month will be a huge win, said entrepreneur Andrew Yang when asked was how universal he was. Basic income can close the wealth gap.
Yang plans to give every adult American $ 1,000 a month in universal basic income to compensate for job losses through automation. The first-time presidential candidate proposes to pay most of the monthly distributions by introducing a new 10 percent sales tax on goods and services.
Amy Klobuchar
I dont pretend to know what it feels like to walk around the store or face poverty like 30 percent of black children do, but I know its not right, said Senator Amy Klobuchar of the harmful rhetoric of the current government targeting minorities.
On her website, the Minnesota senator outlines how ICE is to be reformed and the applicable guidelines regarding border detentions to be reviewed.
The Brown & Black Forum kept the candidates on time, so that not every candidate had the opportunity to solve every problem. Read on to find out where some of the Presidents other hopefuls are on immigration and economic policy.
labyrinth
Earlier, Senator Elizabeth Warren had proposed plans to raise the federal minimum wage to $ 15 and streamline the process for refugees seeking asylum.
Warrens plan of economic patriotism would result in the government prioritizing the interests of the middle class over those of business. This is aimed directly at companies like Amazon, which receive significant tax incentives from the government.
When it comes to immigration, Warren calls for the program to be expanded for DREAMers and their families, as well as those with temporary protection status. If elected, Warren plans to accept more refugees and decriminalize crossing the border without papers.
Though bold, Warren would have great difficulty in Congress, especially if Republicans kept control of the Senate.
Tom Steyer
Tom Steyer, the billionaire from California, has outlined an immigration proposal aimed at decriminalizing illegal border crossings and is working with Congress to find a way to illegally naturalize millions of people in the United States.
Like Sanders, Steyer promises to use executive measures to restore the Obama administrations protection to people who were brought in illegally as children. He would do the same to lift President Donald Trumps Muslim ban and end the separation of immigrant families on the US-Mexico border.
Steyers economic agenda highlights people in front of profits and aims to address what Steyer calls the undue influence of corporate power on the US economy. Like many of his White House rivals, his plan also includes a minimum wage of $ 15.
John Delaney
The former three-day congresswoman from Maryland supports a comprehensive immigration reform. As a congressman, he supported the DREAM law in 2017, the so-called dreaming, which would have opened the way to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.
In the past, he described the Trump administrations decision to end DACA as cruel, heartless, and mean.
By clicking Submit I consent to receiving BET newsletters and other marketing emails. BET newsletters are subject to our data protection guidelines and conditionsuseful. Users can unsubscribe at any time. BET newsletters are sent by BET Networks, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. http://Www.bet.com
Link:
Brown And Black Forum: Immigration Reform and Economy - The Media Hq
- Brad Lander on Immigration Reform, Foreign Policy, and His Bid for Congress - The New York Editorial Board - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Faith leaders call for immigration reform in Good Friday gathering at Portland ICE facility - KPTV - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- A major immigration reform bill is now law in Canada. Some worry it rolls back refugee rights - CBC - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Faith leaders gather at Portland ICE facility, call for immigration reform - National Today - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- No 10 declines to commit to immigration reform after Rayner criticism - London Evening Standard - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Congress must find a way to pass immigration reform [column] - LancasterOnline - March 17th, 2026 [March 17th, 2026]
- Dairys Last Shot: Why Industry Leaders Are Demanding Action on Immigration Reform - Dairy Herd - February 27th, 2026 [February 27th, 2026]
- Amid DHS funding cuts, is meaningful immigration reform possible? - Connecticut Public - February 27th, 2026 [February 27th, 2026]
- Local opinion: Real immigration reform is needed now - Arizona Daily Star - February 27th, 2026 [February 27th, 2026]
- Immigration Reform News February 22, 2026 - America's Voice - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]
- Indiana House passes Trump admin-approved immigration reform. Opponents fear it will embolden ICE - IndyStar - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- DHS partial shutdown looms tonight after immigration reform stalemate - Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Bishop prepares to take immigration reform advocacy directly to the nation's capital - Rhode Island Catholic - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Letters: The US Senate worked on immigration reform in 2023. Donald Trump killed the bill. - Chicago Tribune - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Congress ICE debate a perfect opportunity for immigration reform - Farm Progress - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Fedor: After ICE Overreach, Congress Should Pass Major Immigration Reform - Twin Cities Business - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump must lead U.S. to real immigration reform - New York Daily News - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Is the Time Finally Right for Real Immigration Reform? - The Dispatch - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Where is immigration reform? - Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Is the time finally right for real immigration reform? - The Washington Post - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Rosie Perez Says US Needs Immigration Reform but ICE Goes Too Far: Ive Been Crying All Day | Video - TheWrap - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Demonstrators march through Montrose in "ICE out of Houston" protest for immigration reform - FOX 26 Houston - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Spains immigration reform offers hope to asylum seekers and workers without papers - Washington Times - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Archbishop Bernard Hebda: A Call for Prayer and Real Immigration Reform (Morning Air) - Relevant Radio - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Letter to the editor: We need the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (S.2611) - The Daily Cardinal - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Minnesota archbishop: 'Comprehensive immigration reform now' amid 'battleground' on the streets - therecordnewspaper.org - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- As a witness, I can say our immigration reform is the worst of the worst | Opinion - kentucky.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Mahopac school board member, and ICE deportation officer, being asked to resign by Hudson Valley Patriots for Immigration Reform - abc7ny.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Prayer Vigil Held in Perry Square for Immigration Reform - Erie News Now - January 11th, 2026 [January 11th, 2026]
- Flanders goes live with end-to-end digital Single-Permit portal, capping 2026 immigration reform - VisaHQ - January 11th, 2026 [January 11th, 2026]
- Jersey Kebab Operator Detained By ICE Fights For NJ Immigration Reform - Patch - January 11th, 2026 [January 11th, 2026]
- Trump shut down the border. Now can we pass comprehensive immigration reform? - Houston Chronicle - December 31st, 2025 [December 31st, 2025]
- Numbers USA Gives Florida a 'C' Grade on Immigration Reform - Floridian Press - December 31st, 2025 [December 31st, 2025]
- 2025 Year in Review: The road to immigration reform - Cayman Compass - December 31st, 2025 [December 31st, 2025]
- The Week: Immigration Reform, Burnham And The Budget - BBC - November 24th, 2025 [November 24th, 2025]
- Archbishop Gomez: Lets seize the moment for real immigration reform - Angelus News - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Immigration Reform News November 17, 2025 - America's Voice - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Rep. Mara Salazar says immigration reform should bring undocumented workers "out of the shadows" - CBS News - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Farmers push for immigration reform in wake of raids - Ventura County Star - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Rep. Mara Salazar says immigration reform should bring undocumented workers "out of the shadows" - Yahoo - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Farmers say legal migrants are crucial to Idaho's economy and immigration reform is needed to retain workforce - East Idaho News - November 16th, 2025 [November 16th, 2025]
- How to Navigate Immigration Reform and Enforcement on the Jobsite - National Association of Home Builders | NAHB - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Gallego Speaks on Immigration Reform at American Business Immigration Coalition - Senator Ruben Gallego (.gov) - October 24th, 2025 [October 24th, 2025]
- Cayman Islands government releases sweeping immigration reform bill - Jamaica Gleaner - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Cayman Islands releases sweeping immigration reform bill - Jamaica Observer - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Immigration Reform News October 17, 2025 - America's Voice - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Government releases sweeping immigration reform bill - Cayman Compass - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Farm and business coalition pushes immigration reform to retain skilled ag workers - Brownfield Ag News - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Takaichis victory delays Japans reckoning with immigration reform - East Asia Forum - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- New Border Crossing Numbers are a Blast from the Past - Federation for American Immigration Reform - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- James Talarico Pushes Faith-Based Progressive Agenda With Immigration Reform and Texas Working-Class Outreach - Azat TV - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Commentary: Congresswomen unite for immigration reform and show us the statesmanship thats possible - The Daily Gazette - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- High-Skilled Immigration Reform Efforts in the 119th Congress - Reddy Neumann Brown PC - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Vietnam Unveils Major Immigration Reform: Visa-Exemption Certificates Now Processed In Just One Day To Support Explosive Tourism Growth - Travel And... - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- John T. Shaw: Congresswomen unite for immigration reform and show us the statesmanship thats possible - Chicago Tribune - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Rep. Dexter urges immigration reform after Portland mother and children held for 12 days - KGW - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- FAIR: Presidents Executive Actions Should Be the First Step in Immigration Overhaul that Serves the National Interest - Federation for American... - September 21st, 2025 [September 21st, 2025]
- Mass Immigration Amplifies Threat Posed to America by Mainland China - Federation for American Immigration Reform - September 19th, 2025 [September 19th, 2025]
- UK immigration reform: implications, unintended consequences and the need for strategic policymaking going forward - Electronic Immigration Network - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Anniversary of immigration reform raises questions about Americas refuge role by Wayne Dawkins - Richmond Free Press - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- China: How Americas Biggest Adversary is Weaponizing the U.S. Immigration System - Federation for American Immigration Reform - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- The unintended consequences of immigration reform - Arizona Capitol Times - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Is there a chance of immigration reform being passed? - Manhattan Times News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- OPINION: A case for immigration reform during the Trump Administration - yahoo.com - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- OPINION: A case for immigration reform during the Trump Administration - El Paso Times - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Letter to the Editor: Compassionate immigration reform needed - Daily Local - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- North County Report: An Unexpected Push for Federal Immigration Reform - Voice of San Diego - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Lincoln Bishop urges dignity, immigration reform amid plans for McCook ICE detention facility - KOLN | Nebraska Local News, Weather, Sports | Lincoln,... - August 24th, 2025 [August 24th, 2025]
- FAIR Expands Its Impact by Adding Litigation and Investigations Divisions - Federation for American Immigration Reform - August 22nd, 2025 [August 22nd, 2025]
- Immigration reform meets primary care: How the Dignity Act of 2025 could help ease the workforce shortage - Medical Economics - August 20th, 2025 [August 20th, 2025]
- PD Editorial: America needs immigration reform more than ever - The Press Democrat - August 18th, 2025 [August 18th, 2025]
- Escondido City Council approves letter to Congress calling for immigration reform - 10News.com - August 14th, 2025 [August 14th, 2025]
- A six-pillar blueprint: The Catholic Churchs plan for humane immigration reform - Milwaukee Independent - August 7th, 2025 [August 7th, 2025]
- Shifting Priorities Around Exploitation for the Sake of Immigration Reform - The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon - August 7th, 2025 [August 7th, 2025]
- Wenski: Pivot to immigration reform, not Alcatraz camps, now the border is secure - OSV News - August 6th, 2025 [August 6th, 2025]
- Is there a chance of immigration reform being passed? - el-observador.com - August 3rd, 2025 [August 3rd, 2025]
- Bipartisan bill offers meaningful immigration reform that could help address senior living workforce needs, leaders say - McKnight's Senior Living - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- US bishops: Bipartisan collaboration on immigration reform is absolutely necessary - CatholicVote org - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Immigration and the physician shortage: Physicians can help drive immigration reform - Medical Economics - July 30th, 2025 [July 30th, 2025]
- There has to be a better way: CA Senator Alex Padilla to introduce immigration reform legislation - KGET.com - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]