Rep. Schneider Responds to President’s Announcement, Emphasizes Urgent Need for Comprehensive Immigration Refor
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s executive order on immigration enforcement.
“The magnitude and significance of the challenges posed by our broken immigration system demand a comprehensive, long-term solution that only Congressional action can fully provide, but House Republican’s absolute unwillingness to act necessitated the President’s decision.
“The President's executive action will expand opportunities for immigrants seeking lawful employment in the United States, providing much-needed relief for up to 5 million people currently living in the shadows. It also refocuses our enforcement resources toward individuals who pose a legitimate threat, while limiting the needless separating of families.
“Comprehensive immigration reform by Congress would benefit our nation by strengthening communities, fueling economic growth and opening the door to tackling so many other challenges we face. I hope that the President's announcement will help reignite progress on building a lasting, permanent solution.”
Schneider is a cosponsor of bipartisan immigration legislation that would, among other things, increase visas for skilled workers, enhance border security and provide a pathway for citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are currently living in the United States. In January, he invited Estefania Garcia, a DREAMer from Highwood, as his guest to the President’s 2014 State of the Union address.