Issue Position: Immigration Reform

Issue Position

Issue Position: Immigration Reform

Almost from the first boat that landed in America, immigration has been cause for debate. There have been bitter chapters in this debate-- chapters of discrimination and prejudice against those who arrived-- and celebrated chapters when immigrants came and gave life to a country in its infancy. The immigration laws of this country must be tough but fair. Immigration reform is an urgent priority for our nation because our current immigration system is broken. It harms our national security and our economy, and treats hard-working immigrants, especially immigrant children, unfairly. I have worked to ensure that U.S. laws are tough on terrorism without unfairly targeting our immigrant population. I oppose amnesty for undocumented immigrants. I believe that people who work hard, contribute to our economy, and respect the law should have the opportunity to earn legal status.

H1B Visas

The H-1B visa program allows American companies and universities to employ temporary foreign workers who have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in a job category that is considered by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services to be a "specialty occupation." Supporters claim the H-1B program helps the American economy by allowing companies to hire needed foreign workers.

The reality is that too many H-1B visas are being used to facilitate the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries. Some employers have abused the H-1B program, using it to bypass qualified Americans. I want to set up safeguards for American workers, and provide much-needed oversight and enforcement of employers who fail to abide by the law. Our immigration policy should seek to complement our U.S. workforce, not replace it.

DREAM Act

The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, is a narrowly-tailored, bipartisan bill that would provide immigration relief to a select group of students who grew up in the United States, who have good moral character, and who are pursuing a college education or have enlisted in the military. In other words: if you came to the United States before the age of 16, if you have lived in this country for at least five years, if you graduate from high school, and then if you will complete either two years of college or two years of service in the military, we will give you an opportunity for legal status in America. The DREAM Act would also return to states the authority to determine whether to grant in-state tuition to state residents regardless of immigration status.

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