WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement after her lunch discussion today on immigration and border security:

"This afternoon I was encouraged to meet with local leaders to discuss our current immigration policies and meaningful reforms that will be more in line with the realities facing millions of undocumented people. I believe that we must begin this debate by listening and then having a discussion so that we can understand the issue from all sides. I remain convinced that our first priority is to enforce the law and protect our borders so that we know who is entering our country. At the same time, we need to address the millions of people who are already in this country and formulate a process for them to earn legal work status. Immigration reform is essential to building a healthy, growing American economy and I'm excited to continue this discussion as we begin debating the next steps in Washington."

This afternoon, Congresswoman Renee Ellmers participated in a group discussion on immigration policies and border security in Dunn, North Carolina. She met with State Representative David Lewis, Linda Andrews of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, Cathy O’Dell of the Dunn Chamber of Commerce, and other local leaders. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways to move forward with common sense immigration policies and reform that will both focus on national security and also explore pathways to legal status.

# # #

For more information, please visit Congresswoman Ellmers’ website at www.ellmers.house.gov or call (202) 225-4531.

Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter @RepReneeEllmers

Tom Doheny
Communications Director
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers R-NC-2
Washington, DC