Immigration

Our nation’s immigration system is broken, causing immense harm to families being torn apart. At the same time, we are failing to capitalize on the immense talent pool found amongst those who aspire to live and work here as our fellow citizens. Throughout the debates that have consumed public discourse, Rep. Grijalva has remained focused on the human impact of our broken system, and remains committed to passing a permanent legislative solution.

President Obama’s Immigration Executive Actions
After waiting for more than two years for Congressional Republicans to make good on their promise to address comprehensive immigration reform, President Obama took steps within his power in November 2014 to lessen the impact of our broken system on the lives of people caught in it. While this falls far short of what could be achieved by Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation passed by Congress, it will still provide much needed relief for millions of people caught up in our broken system. Complete information on who is eligible and how to apply can be found here.

Guided by Principle
Rep. Grijalva led the Congressional Progressive Caucus in sending a memo to President Obama in November 2014, urging him to sign a strong executive order on immigration reform in light of intransigence by Congressional Republicans. In it, Rep. Grijalva calls for the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the establishment of a new relief process to parallel DACA, expanding the opportunity for relief to include people working, living and contributing to local communities. More information is available here.

Putting People Over Politics
Rep. Grijalva consistently focuses on the human impact of our immigration policies. He held an Ad Hoc hearing in July 2014 to hear testimony directly from three unaccompanied minors who came to America to flee violence and poverty in their home countries. He also spoke out unequivocally when it was announced in September 2014 that executive actions addressing immigration would be postponed until after November elections. He subsequently urged the president to meet with immigrant families whose lives would continue to be threatened for as long as executive action was delayed.

Rep. Grijalva remains committed to a comprehensive legislative solution to our broken immigration system. Until the day that both political parties are willing to address this pressing issue in good faith, he wholeheartedly supports President Obama’s executive actions to minimize the hardships inflicted on American families.