IMMIGRATION

Our country needs a comprehensive immigration solution that provides opportunities for immigrants within a framework that puts in place reasonable immigration controls. The goal is to ensure an appropriate number of immigrants are able to enter the country in a law-abiding manner, while providing safety and security for the U.S.

America was founded by immigrants and immigrants have been the backbone of this country generation after generation. Current nationalistic, anti-immigrant rhetoric is appalling and does not represent our American values.

Immigration has always been one of the defining characteristics of what makes America truly great and a beacon of hope for millions around the world. Over time, our ability to assimilate people from different countries, races and religions has shown the world how a diverse society can thrive while embracing the differences between people. Leading by this example is a net benefit to the world at large and has shown other countries how immigration and diversity can be a benefit to society.

Immigration reform provides numerous benefits to the United States. First, immigration increases the productive capacity of the economy and raises the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the benefit of all Americans. Legal, controlled immigration is also vital to maintain a strong economy by filling employment gaps in both low and high-skilled jobs that cannot or will not be performed by current U.S. citizens. Immigrants who are permitted to remain in the United States will be taxed and therefore will contribute to increased tax revenue for the U.S. government. Immigrants also bring valuable intangible qualities to the U.S. in the form of diversifying our culture.

Immigration should be controlled and set on an orderly path forward so that the full benefits of immigration can be maximized. A comprehensive immigration reform plan proposed by a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators was passed in the Senate in 2013 (although it was not approved by the House of Representatives). It includes the following proposals, among other items:

  • Increase the number of Border Control agents.

  • Install new security measures in specified locations along the border, including fencing, surveillance towers, camera systems, ground sensors, radiation detectors, mobile surveillance systems, drones, helicopters, airborne radar systems, planes and ships.

  • The cap on the H-1B visa program for high-skilled workers would be raised and more would be set aside for people with certain advanced degrees from a U.S. school.

  • Protections would be put in place to crack down on companies that use H-1B visas to train workers in the U.S. only to ship them back overseas.

  • A new merit visa would award points to prospective immigrants based on their education, employment, length of residence in the U.S. and other considerations.

  • A new work visa would allow low-skilled workers into the country for unfilled jobs in construction, long-term care, hospitality and other industries.

  • The estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally could obtain "registered provisional immigrant status" as long as certain requirements have been met, including: they pass a background check; they do not have a felony conviction or three or more misdemeanors; they pay their assessed taxes; and they pay a $500 fine.

  • People in provisional legal status could work and travel in the U.S. but would not be eligible for certain federal benefits.

  • After 10 years in provisional status, immigrants could seek a green card and lawful permanent resident status if they are: current on their taxes and pay a $1,000 fine; have maintained continuous physical presence in the U.S.; pass a background check; meet work requirements; and learn English.

  • Immigrants brought to the country as youths would be able to get green cards after five years in provisional status and citizenship immediately thereafter if they meet certain requirements under the DREAM Act.

  • A new agricultural worker visa program would be established to replace the existing program. Agriculture workers already here illegally, who've worked in the industry at least two years, could qualify in another five years for green cards if they stay in the industry.

  • Implement a system for all employers to electronically verify their workers' legal status.