Currently, the United States is more politically divided than ever before. As a result, Americans have created an echo chamber in which we isolate ourselves into an environment that simply validates our own beliefs. The lack of much-needed conversations among people of opposing viewpoints has given rise to the resentful consequences of political polarization.

As high school students, we feel obligated to create a more politically united country for a better America. To bridge this divide, our group, “Around the Round Table,” aims to create a platform for people of various viewpoints to hear and understand their political differences through the art of civil discussion.

One of the issues at the center of this tumultuous political climate is the topic of race and immigration, specifically the value and benefits of merit-based immigration policies.

Merit-based immigration policies are policies that allow people to migrate to countries based on their merits and potential to contribute to the economy. This merit-based system typically considers criteria such as health, income and occupational status. Such a proposal appears enticing in several ways. For instance, immigration complication could be evaded by allowing only certain immigrants who can make a contribution with their citizenship. As a result of being selective, it leads to a country that is productive, hard-working and patriotic.

Further, an issue often associated with both legal and illegal immigration is decreased wages and job availability for working-class Americans. However, with a merit-based system it would limit the flow of low-skilled immigrants, thus making it easier for native-born working-class Americans to find work. A merit-based system accounts for both the prosperity of native-born Americans and the benefits that hard-working skilled immigrants have on the country.

Opponents argue that meritocratic immigration policies favor immigrants from more developed countries, as they often have the education and financial background to fill the criteria of an acceptable U.S. citizen. This leaves other immigrants, who may be equally hard-working but are from politically unstable countries such as Venezuela or El Salvador, at a disadvantage to enter U.S. borders. These individuals often struggle to get the proper education or a strong financial background to fulfill the criteria of merit-based immigration policies.

A solution to this potential bias in the immigration screening process is similar to that of the points-based immigration system currently implemented in Canada and Australia. During the immigration screening process, prioritizing immigrants who have a desire to assimilate into American culture and learn the English language can help retain America’s rich culture and values, while also supporting a growing multicultural population.

America is known for its great history of innovation as well as its economic and military prowess. Through meritocratic immigration policies, America can continue to grow on its great history by accepting the best and the brightest. However, these meritocratic immigration policies must be enforced in a way that allows citizens from all countries an equal opportunity to become U.S. citizens.

These were the thoughts that resulted from our first “Around the Round Table” event, where we were able to bring together individuals from all parts of the political spectrum to settle out their differences. We hope that our first event is a parallel to how America will enforce its immigration policies: listening to all the voices of America to enforce an immigration policy that will ultimately benefit America as a whole.

Toby In is a Kalani High School student, class of 2020; Kasen Wong attends Hawaii Baptist Academy, class of 2019.