Ken Calvert

Representative Young Kim, the Korean-American Congresswoman in Orange County, is running against fellow Republican Ken Calvert to represent the newly-redistricted 40th Congressional District. At key moments throughout her career, Kim has stood up for the value of immigrants and immigration. Now, she should embrace immigration reform not just to secure the support of undecided voters, but because it’s what’s best for California.

Following efforts by Democrats in Sacramento to redraw the electoral map on partisan lines, conservative voters have been packed into a new district, and two Republican incumbents, Representatives Kim and Calvert, have been pitted against each other in the general election. Although a solidly red district, over 50% of its voters are either Democrats or independents. They’re who Kim needs to appeal to win the election, not just Republicans.

In the primary this June, Ken Calvert took first, winning about 35% of the votes. Kim was in second, earning 20.6%. With them both advancing to the general this November, whoever ends up winning will need to find a way to appeal to family-focused Republicans, policy-conscious progressives, and everyone in between. Kim can gain their support by advancing fair, just immigration policy that a range of people can get behind.

To start, she can stand out from her competitor by highlighting how Trump’s immigration policies have harmed Californians and by offering a solution. And by appealing to economic concerns and the values of faith-based voters, Kim can champion good policy without losing conservative voters. At key moments throughout her career, Kim has stood up for the value of immigrants and immigration; now it may be her only hope for reelection.

Kim herself is an immigrant, growing up in South Korea, and coming to the U.S. when she was twelve. She settled in SoCal and with the support of immigrant communities here, worked her way into Congress. In her own words, “My election really proves that the promise of America is alive. I’m the living proof of it.” Since then, she has been a vocal advocate for fixing our immigration system, especially finding a solution for Dreamers—immigrants whose parents brought them here unlawfully when they were children.

She also understands how vital immigrants are to the economy and community of the United States, and especially SoCal. Immigrants make up about 28% of California’s population, and nearly one in ten California workers is an undocumented immigrant. Of those who are undocumented, 66% have lived here for over ten years, are contributing members of their communities and have not committed any crimes. However, since the start of the current administration, thousands of people have been deported or detained, putting the economy of California in danger.

Despite President Trump’s stated intention to only go after criminals, less than 30% of immigrants detained have had a criminal conviction, and even fewer – less than 5% by DHS’s data – have had a violent criminal conviction. And beyond that, thousands of lawfully present immigrants have lost work authorization. Since California relies heavily on immigrant workers both legally present and undocumented, these policies are troubling.

Unlawful border crossings cannot be ignored, but mass deportations are not the solution. Most Californians support establishing a pathway to legalization for long-term undocumented immigrants.

Bills like the bipartisan Dignity Act, currently in Congress and co-sponsored by Kim, would do just that. Though critics like Calvert accuse the bill of granting “amnesty,” the bill actually allows people to earn legal status through paying a hefty fine. Such policies uphold the law and avoid devastating the workforce and deporting people with roots in America. Immigration reform bills like this are more popular among Democratic and independent voters who overwhelmingly disapprove of the President’s agenda. If Rep. Kim takes the lead on reform, she could win over the votes she needs to clinch the election.

As an evangelical Christian who serves as a legal representative for those seeking immigration benefits, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of our current broken system. Many are penalized for actions beyond their control. Forgiveness is withheld from others who couldn’t possibly understand the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Often no legal pathway exists for those whose needs are the greatest.

Restoration, compassion, and second chances are dominant themes throughout scripture, and whether we realize it or not, all of us who were born in the U.S. have benefited from such gifts through God’s providential hand in the establishment of our country. We acknowledge this when we sing, “America, America, God shed his grace on thee.”

Enacting fair and just immigration reform that respects human dignity and family unity, while also upholding border security, should be a top priority for the leadership of our country, and it should spring forth from a place of thankfulness for all that we’ve been given and a desire to treat others as we’d like to be treated.

Polls show that over half of evangelical Christians, who mostly vote Republican, believe the president’s immigration policies are not aligned with biblical values. More than three-quarters of evangelical Christians and 82% of evangelical pastors say they would support policies like the Dignity Act that avoid separating families while still strengthening border security. By leading on immigration reform, Rep. Kim can win over new voters without losing the support of evangelicals.

Young Kim understands the challenges immigrants face and has long been a supporter of responsible immigration reform that balances security with dignity. Now she should make it the center of her campaign not just because it will help her win reelection but because it’s the right thing to do.

Leslie Mayfield is an evangelical Christian and immigration legal representative in Orange County.