[Winstonm]

With all the animosity swirling around immigration policies, it seems to me more important than ever for each "side" to look for common ground upon which we all agree. From there, perhaps we can find a compromise.

For myself, from a left-leaning, Democrat's point of view, I do not want any immigrants or asylum seekers allowed into the country who also happen to be members of the MS-13 gang.

That may seem simplistic - but it is my true held position. It is a starting point.

[Al_U_Card]

Returning to basics and relying on fundamental principles is always a valid starting point. National borders exist for security (prevention of incursions, military or other) and economics (tariffs, duties and excise etc.) How a given situation affects these fundamentals should be sufficient to clarify the desirability of any given circumstance. "Undesirable elements" can be from numerous origins and intents. The common weal is derived from the extraction of value that exceeds any related cost. Moral and ethical considerations also come into play as does a more visceral ethos.
In science, we devise a refutable hypothesis and test experiment against realized analysis. In psycho-social matters, these aspects are much less well defined. Coming into the discussion with an open mind and a collegial attitude helps immensely.

[barmar]

 Winstonm, on 2018-June-21, 11:55, said:

For myself, from a left-leaning, Democrat's point of view, I do not want any immigrants or asylum seekers allowed into the country who also happen to be members of the MS-13 gang.

The rest of the Americas probably aren't thrilled that we created the MS-13 gang in the first place.

[Winstonm]

 barmar, on 2018-June-22, 08:46, said:

The rest of the Americas probably aren't thrilled that we created the MS-13 gang in the first place.

The point is there is common ground between left and right - but tribalism has removed the desire to find such safe areas of discourse.

[barmar]

 Winstonm, on 2018-June-22, 09:13, said:

The point is there is common ground between left and right - but tribalism has removed the desire to find such safe areas of discourse.

True. If we can't even agree that MS-13 = bad then there's probably no hope left for compromise, let alone agreement.