Throughout its history, immigrants have been a critical part of the culture and the economy of the United States. Although, much of the current rhetoric surrounding the immigration debate focuses on the dangers of immigrants, Congressman Serrano thinks that it is important to recognize that the vast majority of immigrants, both those with and those without documents, are merely coming here in search of a better life for themselves and their families. The discussion about immigration should not be confused with the discussion catching criminals, whatever their citizenship or immigration status, and reducing crime.
The immigration system in the United States is currently in crisis, with large backlogs of immigrants waiting to enter the country and many undocumented immigrants living and working in the country. Congressman Serrano strongly supports a comprehensive immigration reform to address these issues, one that includes a path to citizenship for the undocumented, increases the number of people who can come legally to work and live in the United States, and is less punitive towards immigrants who have built lives here and may have made a mistake. Immigrants have helped to make the United States strong and Congressman Serrano thinks that we should continue to do what we can to welcome them and help them become integral parts of our society.
In the end, Congressman Serrano believes that the core of the immigration issue is about keeping families together, allowing them to come to the United States together and making sure they can stay together once they are here. To further this goal, Congressman Serrano has a bill called the Child Citizen Protection Act, which would help to keep the families of US citizen children together.
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