Immigration

As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, I know that we must be a nation that welcomes immigrants and those seeking refuge. Immigrants in Oregon and around the country make up the fabric of our communities and are employed in critical jobs that help keep our society running. Without their contributions, the United States would not be nearly as strong as it is today.

That being said, it’s clear our immigration system is broken and in desperate need of modernization. We must do so in a way that prioritizes safety and humanity for all, including some border communities who are reeling from an untenable surge in crossings. That’s why I cosponsored the U.S. Citizenship Act. This bill would provide for comprehensive immigration reform by creating an earned pathway to citizenship, investing in smart border security improvements, and addressing the root causes of migration by fostering political stability and building economic prosperity in Central America.

This legislation would bring long-needed stability to our immigration system. For too long, many immigrants in this country have lived under ever-changing rules. This is particularly true for “Dreamers,” individuals who came to the United States as children and were provided temporary protection from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. I am committed to finding a long-term solution and pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, just as I am committed to stabilizing our immigration system as a whole.