Issue Position: Immigration

Issue Position

Deriving Strength Through Immigration

Seeking a better life for themselves and their family, my parents emigrated from India when I was only a little child. I know the immigrant experience first-hand, and I am deeply indebted to this great nation for the tremendous opportunities it has afforded my family and me. At the same time, I am aware of the ongoing challenges that immigrants confront. This nation is a melting pot of immigrants who left their home countries for the American Dream, and we must do everything in our power to maintain the strength that America enjoys economically and culturally because of its diversity. That said, respecting law and borders is also critical for keeping America strong.

Find a Just Resolution for Undocumented Workers and Families: We need a realistic and humane way of regularizing the status of millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The majority of undocumented workers are paying taxes and following our laws and therefore do not deserve to be treated as criminals. Individuals who have not committed any crimes, and who have paid all their taxes along with a fine for the violation of immigration laws, should be able to apply for legal resident status and eventually a pathway to citizenship. I also support the DREAM Act to provide a path to citizenship for young people whose violation of immigration laws was completely unintentional, but who have taken important steps in serving our country and/or becoming outstanding citizens. We should also do everything to assimilate immigrants into mainstream society.

Use Skilled Immigration to Drive Small Business Growth and Job Creation:

With fair and transparent regulations, strong human capital, and first-world infrastructure, the United States can and should be a great place to start a business. Entrepreneurs who have secured enough investment to start a business should be granted a temporary visa to come to the US create jobs and help grow our economy. If their business is successful and grows to employ at least fifty employees, they should be considered for permanent resident status. In a recessionary environment, encouraging skilled immigrants to hire and employ Americans is a win-win for everyone involved.

Maintain a Secure Border and Fair Interior Enforcement:

We must do everything possible to maintain a secure border with our neighbors. We need to ensure that people entering the United States do not enter with bad intentions, and that they will be treated with humanity. This requires a secure border, as well as fair and vigilant enforcement of immigration laws within the US. This means penalizing employers who hire undocumented workers to circumvent labor laws. We also must reform the eVerify system, which has a high error rate and forces the layoffs of US citizens or immigrants authorized to work here.

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