WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) issued a statement on immigration reform, backing the positions held by the National Council of La Raza, the National Immigration Law Center, and La Union Del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) that a border security “trigger” needs to be separated from the immigration debate.

“Opponents of immigration reform seek to hold the legislative process hostage by insisting on an arbitrary declaration of border security on the US-Mexico border,” remarked Congressman Vela. “Attaching such a contingency to the debate is nothing more than an overt attempt to thwart reform efforts.

“Simply put, those who would condition immigration reform on a trigger of border security simply oppose a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented workers and their families currently in the United States.”

Congressman Vela represents the newly drawn 34th District in south Texas, representing the counties of Cameron, Willacy, Kenedy, Kleberg, Jim Wells, Bee, Goliad, De Witt, and portions of San Patricio and Gonzales counties. He has witnessed the challenges along the border firsthand and aims to ensure that Congress crafts a long-term immigration solution that ensures the rights and dignities of Americans and undocumented immigrants alike.

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