MATT.org Foundation, the leading middle-of-the-road convener dedicated to influencing policy to improve U.S./Mexico relations, held its first “Thinking Together Roundtable” on immigration in San Antonio, Texas on August 16. Nearly 30 local, national and regional heads of organizations, Democrats and Republicans alike, convened in San Antonio to participate in this unprecedented meeting.   

“On the issue if immigration, the Congress failed our country,” said MATT.org Executive Director Lionel Sosa. “They couldn’t reach a compromise in order to pass a bill. But the rest of us cannot sit around and wait to see what happens next. It’s time to come together to prepare our strategy. This gathering was a chance for those of us who care about immigration to come together to be the voice of the 62% of Americans who want fair, practical immigration reform.”

The “Thinking Together Roundtable” was a non-partisan and solutions-based gathering of those committed to immigration reform, not partisan advantage. It resulted in a productive, cooperative strategy session where leaders gave suggestions for a common message and grassroots campaign that can help educate American voters and Congress that comprehensive reform is the right solution to the immigration problem. 

The group agreed that drafting a cohesive message to convince those in the middle is the top priority. They plan to reconvene in the coming months to ensure comprehensive immigration reform tops the priority list of the next President of the United States.

The diverse group of participants included Republican U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Democratic U.S. Representative Ciro Rodriguez, the heads of LULAC, MALDEF, the Border Angels, and leaders from the United Farm Workers and agriculture industry, along with several members of the MATT Board of Directors.