Immigration

I do not believe that it is feasible nor humane to deport the millions of undocumented migrants currently residing in the United States.  Therefore, I support immigration reform that not only includes strengthening our borders but also addresses creating a pathway to citizenship, firmly and fairly enforcing the laws, and restoring and ensuring due process.  However, let me be clear, I do not believe that a wall or other physical obstruction is the best way to secure our border.  In fact, a physical barrier oftentimes makes enforcement more difficult than other means (e.g. technology); this is especially true when funding for such a barrier would mean a reduction in the very personnel charged with protecting our borders.

We also must address the issue of family reunification.  I have personally advocated for and sponsored legislation, including my American Right to Family Act, that would allow families seeking legal citizenship in the United States to stay together.  I have seen numerous instances of families that have been divided because the family member who sponsored them passed away.  When considering these cases, we must keep in mind that these families have tried to do the right thing and it is not fair to penalize them by allowing their families to become broken because our immigration system is often slow, inefficient, inhumane, and expensive.

I also firmly believe that we must find a way to ensure that DREAMers, who were brought to America as children and are law-abiding and contributing members of society, have a path to citizenship in this country, the country they know and call home. 

Finally, any legislation or action taken on immigration must be free of racial and religious bias or discrimination.  I continue to oppose any measure that discriminates against an individual because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, or their faith.