Issue Position: Immigration Reform

Issue Position

As the grandson of immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their children, Jimmy understands that finding a path for immigrants to succeed is fundamental to who we are as a nation. He is working in Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that supports our diverse communities, strengthens border security, provides effective worker programs, and improves educational opportunities for the children of immigrants.

Jimmy believes that the noncitizen children of immigrants who came to this country through no choice of their own-- the so called "Dreamers" -- should have the chance to earn their way to citizenship in this country. In Congress, Jimmy has supported numerous pieces of legislation to ensure that these Dreamers can continue to contribute to our communities, economy, and country. As a chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus' Immigration Task Force, he is working across the aisle to develop a long-term solution for the Dreamers on the Central Coast.

Jimmy is also fighting to protect those communities on the Central Coast who reside here legally under Temporary Protected Status. He is fighting efforts in Washington to strip them of this legal status. These individuals are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our friends. They deserve to maintain the lives they have built for themselves here on the Central Coast and across the United States.

Understanding the important role that immigrant communities have in our justice system, Jimmy introduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act of 2018. This bill prevents the deportation of undocumented individuals who cooperate with law enforcement, who are waiting the processing of their visa. It would also require the Department of Homeland Security to issue work permits to visa applicants to reduce the likelihood of victimization and establish economic security.

Jimmy is also working across the aisle to provide certainty for both our farmers and farmworkers. He is an original cosponsor of the Agricultural Worker Program Act to provide eligible undocumented farmworkers a path to become legal permanent residents.

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