On Friday, Aug. 23, Senator James Lankford engaged with constituents at the Okmulgee Public Library, discussing several pressing national issues in an open and informative forum. Hosted by Representative Scott Fetgatter, the event provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions and gain insights directly from the senator.

— Border Crisis A primary focus of Senator Lankford’s discussion was the ongoing border crisis. He outlined a significant shift in migration patterns over the past two years, noting an increase in individuals arriving from countries such as Russia, China, West Africa, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. This change has introduced greater diversity among migrants, presenting new challenges for border management and national security. Senator Lankford expressed deep concern over the surge in illegal immigration, noting that “10 million people illegally crossed the border in the first three years of [President Biden’s] presidency,” a figure that he contrasted with the 4 million who crossed during the entirety of President Obama’s eight years in office.

Lankford explained that this dramatic increase is largely due to the lack of enforcement of existing immigration laws and the exploitation of asylum laws. He highlighted that under current procedures, individuals who cross the border and claim asylum are often released into the country while they await a hearing – sometimes as long as six to ten years later. “Only 3% of those who go through the asylum process actually qualify,” Lankford stated, underscoring the need for reform.

He also described a proposed bill aimed at addressing these issues by tightening asylum standards and increasing resources for border enforcement. The bill includes measures to quickly screen and deport individuals who do not meet asylum criteria upon their arrival, as well as provisions to deal with mass influxes of migrants. “We set up an emergency system… if we get to 5,000 people crossing in a day, we just arrest you and deport you. No one gets in,” Lankford explained. Preventing overwhelming the system.

— Political Polarization and the Role of Social Media Another key topic of discussion was the increasing political division in the country, which Lankford attributed in part to social media algorithms. He pointed out that these algorithms tend to group users with similar opinions, reinforcing their beliefs and creating echo chambers. “When you go on social media, you think everybody on the planet thinks just like you,” Lankford said, noting that this contributes to the current polarization.

Despite acknowledging that the country has faced greater divisions in the past, such as during the Civil War and the 1960s, Lankford emphasized that today’s division is unique due to the influence of technology. He urged caution when consuming information online, reminding the audience, “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.”

— Encouraging Respectful Civil Debate

Senator Lankford stressed the importance of fostering respectful civil debate as a means to bridge political divides. He shared personal anecdotes about maintaining friendships with colleagues who hold opposing views, specifically mentioning his relationship with Democratic Senator Chris Coons from Delaware. By engaging in honest and respectful conversations, despite ideological differences, Senator Lankford demonstrated the value of understanding and cooperation in the legislative process.

He encouraged constituents to adopt a similar approach in their interactions, emphasizing that respectful dialogue can lead to productive solutions and reduce societal tensions. This commitment to civil discourse is rooted in his belief in the inherent value and worth of every individual, regardless of differing opinions.

— Commitment to Bipartisan Solutions Throughout the event, Senator Lankford reiterated his dedication to finding bipartisan solutions to national challenges. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in the Senate, where the filibuster rule requires consensus from both parties to pass legislation. By advocating for mutual respect and open communication, he aims to navigate the complexities of governance and address issues such as border security, national debt, and social welfare programs effectively.

-The event concluded with an invitation for community members to stay informed through the senator’s newsletter and social media channels, ensuring ongoing engagement and transparency in his efforts to represent and address the needs of Oklahoma residents.