Ellison Statement On Senate Immigration Bill

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement after the United States Senate passed The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S.744) 68 - 32.

"Today, the United States Senate took the first step in giving millions of immigrants a path to citizenship. In addition to offering legal status to 11 million immigrants, the bill would allow DREAMers--young aspiring Americans who were brought to the country as children--to earn citizenship after five years or through military service. The bill includes a STEM Education Fund to increase training of Science Technology, Engineering and Math education for all Americans.

"However, the Senate bill falls short for many future Americans. We need to ensure that reform provides a shot at the American Dream for all communities. The proposed Senate bill allows law enforcement officials to discriminate based solely on a person's religion or nationality. Worse, the bill includes loopholes in the case of "national security" or "border security" that allow discrimination based on any factor--including race. The bill fails to bolster refugee resettlement so that families fleeing war and persecution can be self-sufficient as quickly as possible. While the bill enables migrants and refugees to reunite with loved ones and refugees in the United States, U.S. citizens would no longer be able to petition for immigrant visas for their brothers, sisters, or married children over the age of 30.

"As imperfect as the Senate immigration bill is, it is a vital first step towards ensuring that all families who come to United States have a shot at the American Dream. The House should build on the momentum of the Senate's bill and ensure that we provide millions of immigrants and their families the path to citizenship they deserve."

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