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Senator Elizabeth Warren Supports Restructuring ICE Policy


           With the 2020 presidential election around the corner, candidates are becoming more vocal about their stance on certain policies, even the controversial ones. One particular issue that has been heavily discussed in debates, speeches, and other campaign events is the topic of illegal immigration. This has been a key issue due to President Trump’s recent immigration policies that have sparked outrage from some and support from others. Citizens understandably want to know where the candidates stand on this issue. While few have taken a very progressive stance and have called for the abolishment of ICE or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, many others like Senator Elizabeth Warren want to keep the agency, but restructure it entirely (Schaul Kevin, Michael Sherer, Kevin Uhrmacher). In order to understand Warren’s stance, it is important to also understand her state of Massachusetts and the representation that her constituents have wanted from her. Representing ideas that align with her constituents can play a pivotal role in how she is perceived not only by those in Massachusetts, but also the country as a whole.
            Though it is unlikely that any policy challenging the structure and role of ICE will be considered anytime soon, congress members can still take a stance on the matter. In The United States Congress, the authors describe this as position taking (Adler, Jenkins, Shipan). They argue that even when there is no bill being presented, members of congress can still appeal to their constituents by letting them know where they stand on the issue. When considering the political ideologies of her constituents, the citizens of Massachusetts, it is clear that Senator Warren’s support for restructuring ICE is not entirely contrary to the views of her constituents. The figures listed below demonstrate where Massachusetts residents find themselves in two categories: political ideologies and views on immigration. 



            As displayed, one can see that Massachusetts tends to lean towards the so called “left” or “liberal” stance when it comes to immigration. It is important to note that this does not imply that because they hold this particular view they completely 100% agree with Senator Warren and her position on restructuring ICE. However, by voicing her disapproval of recent practices and stating her support for changes within the agency, Senator Warren can demonstrate to her constituents that she is taking into consideration their views on immigration.
            As discussed in class, there are other factors that can play a role in why a congress member addresses an issue in a certain way. Since Elizabeth Warren is one of very few women serving in the senate, it is important to note how this can impact her particular stance on ICE. In “It’s official: a record breaking number of women have won seats in congress”, author Zhou asserts that women in congress tend to focus more on issues that the public may perceive as “women’s issues”. Some issues tied to that perception include reproductive rights, family planning, and maternity leave. With so much attention being centered around family separation, it is possible for this to also be perceived as an issue that female congress members should respond to and in a more punitive manner. Women in congress, including Senator Warren may address certain issues in a particular way with this perception in mind.
            In the end, Senator Elizabeth Warren’s support for restructuring The Immigration Customs and Enforcement Agency aligns, to a certain degree, with the views of the constituents that she has represented for years. This symbolic representative can prove to be very beneficial for any member of congress. In Warren’s case, it may even help her become a stronger candidate for the 2020 presidential election.

                                                     Works Cited
Zhou, Li. “It’s official: a record-breaking number of women have won seats in congress”.                   Vox. 7    November 2018. 17 September 2019. <https://www.vox.com/policy-and-
politics/2018/11/7/18024742/midterm-results-record-women-win>.
Schaul Kevin, Michael Sherer, Kevin Uhrmacher. “Where 2020 Candidates Stand on
Immigration”. The Washington Post. 10 September 2019. 17 September 2019.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/immigration/.

















Comments

  1. hslezakSeptember 25, 2019 at 1:31 PM

    ICE has certainly become more visible to the public within the Trump administration. I would like to know what exactly Senator Warren wants to do with ICE. "Restructuring" is a pretty vague term so hopefully Senator Warren elaborates more if she advances in the Democratic primaries.

    ReplyDelete

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