Issue Position: Securing Our Borders and Improving Immigration

Issue Position

When Chuck Grassley attends Naturalization ceremonies for new Americans across Iowa, he sees the proud and hopeful smiles of new citizens and their families. He understands the great desire for many people around the world to enjoy the opportunities Americans have in the United States.

Grassley recognizes that before the U.S. immigration system is improved, the security of the borders must first be addressed. He understands the long waiting times that immigrants have endure to legally enter the United States, and is against allowing those who have already broken U.S. laws to jump in front of the line for citizenship.

With near record of unemployment, it's most important the focus remain on creating new jobs, not policies that jeopardize employment opportunities for Americans.

He knows that the United States must increase and improve legal avenues to enter the United States, and at the same time the country must do a better job of working to eliminate the fraud and abuse that is all too prevalent throughout the immigration system.

For instance, when Grassley learned of Americans in the high tech industry training their replacements who had been hired through the H-1B Visa program, he began digging into program details with his trademark tenacity. Since he exposed abuse in the program that was hurting American workers, the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services has taken a number of steps to address the problems.

Grassley is also a proponent of requiring all employers to participate in the E-verify program, a free tool allowing all employers to electronically verify the work authorization of newly hired workers. Grassley understands that E-verify is one of the most effective tools to fight unscrupulous employers who break the law.

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