Immigration

To overcome the labor shortage caused by World War II, the United States and Mexico established the Bracero Program, the nation’s largest guest worker program of the 20th century. Under the era of the Bracero Program, Rep. Grijalva's father immigrated to this great nation in 1945 in search for a better life for his family. Immigrants like his father have contributed and continue to contribute to our economic success and vibrant diversity.

The way we treat immigrants and approach their integration into U.S. society holds important implications for the future progress of our country. In standing with our historical base as a nation of immigrants, Rep. Grijalva will remain an advocate for rational, intelligent and comprehensive immigration reform, because anything less will not suffice.

Comprehensive immigration reform is one of his top legislative priorities. The U.S. immigration system needs fundamental reform. Throughout his public life, Rep. Grijalva has advocated an immigration policy that is fair, preserves family unity and honors immigrants' significant contributions to our nation.

Pathway to Legalization

We must create a pathway to legalize the millions of undocumented immigrants who have made lives for themselves and their families in the United States. Rep. Grijalva believes it is essential to require undocumented immigrants to register with the government, submit to a criminal background check, pay any back taxes and pay a penalty to begin the process of earning permanent residency. We must bring people out of the shadows and protect our national security by accounting for all those who reside within our borders.

Secure our Borders

Current policy has driven crossing and criminal activity to remote isolated areas along the Southwestern border. Building a fence, however, is not the solution to securing our borders. Congress cannot continue with a “one fence fits all” mentality. Instead, Rep. Grijalva favors measures that protect our border communities from violence and crime through the improvement of personnel, assets and technology. He will proudly continue to support legislation that reflects the best of our nation’s values and strengthens our economic and national security.

DREAM Act

Approximately 2.8 million students graduate from U.S. high schools every year. Some will go on to college, some will join the military and others will take different paths. Whatever their diverse aspirations, they will have the opportunity to live the American dream. However, a group of about 65,000 students are not so fortunate.

Current immigration law punishes highly motivated youths by preventing them from reaching their full potential. Their crime: having no say in their parents’ decision to come to this country illegally. To remedy this, Rep. Grijalva has long been a vocal advocate of the DREAM Act. We cannot continue to punish innocent young people for actions over which they had no control. Under the DREAM Act, undocumented youth could be eligible for conditional citizenship in exchange for a completion of a high school/college degree or military service. The DREAM Act would restore the American ideal of equal opportunity for these young people who want to be productive contributors to our society.