Immigration Reform
Reforming our immigration system is long overdue. Our current laws, regulations, and enforcement do not recognize the importance of sound immigration policies to our economy and national security. We cannot afford to wait any longer to reform our immigration system in a comprehensive way.
Immigration is one of the great strengths for our nation. People from all over the world have come to our country because they see opportunity in America and a chance to build a better life for themselves and their families. The hard work and talent of immigrants have helped grow our economy and have strengthened our country for all Americans.
Legal immigration is not an obstacle to growth, but rather supplements our economic competitiveness and American jobs by attracting needed workers, high-skilled entrepreneurs, and investors. This can all be accomplished while keeping families together in a way that is consistent with American values.
I have advocated on behalf of immigrants through supporting key legislation and other advocacy efforts during my time in Congress:
- Standing up to the Trump Administration’s dangerous executive orders banning refugees: I am an original cosponsor of the SOLVE Act and the SOLVE 2.0 Act, which would bar any federal spending on President Trump’s harmful travel bans. I have condemned these executive orders in the strongest possible terms and remain dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants in our communities.
- Defending DACA and Keeping Families Together: I am strongly opposed to the President’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and have taken action to defend DREAMers and other immigrant youth. I am a cosponsor of the DREAM Act, and an original cosponsor of the American Hope Act of 2017, in support of providing a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and other immigrant youth, who were brought here as children by no fault of their own. I also sent a letter to the president along with other members of the Washington delegation, urging the President to work with Congress to pass legislation to protect DREAMers. I cosigned a letter to then-Secretary Kelly, condemning his suggestion that border agents may separate children from their families when attempting to cross the border. I am committed to supporting immigrant youth and keeping families together.
- Ensuring an Accessible Justice System: I am an original cosponsor of the Access to Counsel Act, which would make certain that those held or detained while attempting to enter the United States are guaranteed access to legal counsel. Under current US law, there is no right to appointed counsel in immigration removal proceedings. 70% of families with no representation are deported. This bill would ensure access to counsel for noncitizens and unaccompanied children who are detained at airports, ports-of-entry, and detention centers.
- Opposing discrimination against immigrants: Cosponsor of the Freedom of Religion Act, which would prohibit travelers, refugees, and immigrants from being denied entry to the United States based off their religion or lack of religious beliefs.
- Supporting sanctuary cities and local immigration policies: I am an original cosponsor of the Safeguarding Sanctuary Cities Act of 2017. This legislation would ensure that any state or local authority cannot lose federal grant funding if it limits or restricts compliance with an immigration detainer request. Seattle is at risk for having federal funds cut as a self-identified “sanctuary city.” Stripping sanctuary cities of funding for not complying with certain federal immigration laws is unconstitutional and would only harm our communities.
- Reforming our Deeply Flawed Immigration Detention System: Together with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) I introduced H.R. 3923, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to reform the systemic problems in our immigration detention system. Our current system is inhumane, unjust, and driven by private, for-profit corporations like The GEO Group, which operates the Northwest Detention Center located in Tacoma, Washington. This bill will end the use of private facilities and repeal mandatory detention, while restoring due process, oversight, accountability, and transparency to the immigration detention system.
The immigration system in the United States is broken and needs to be reformed. I am dedicated to fixing the system. Allowing for immigrants to become productive members of our society will only strengthen our communities, our economy, and our country's future.
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More on Immigration Reform
“Any attempt by the Trump Administration to reverse course on long-standing protections afforded under the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is completely unacceptable. To deport those acting in accordance with DACA flies in the face of American ideals, and shuts the door on members of our communities who have done no harm. Anyone facing deportation proceedings must be afforded appropriate access to counsel, and their due process rights protected.
“President Trump’s executive order banning refugees is in clear contradiction of America values. I am pleased to see that a three-judge panel for the U.S.
The beginning of a new year is a time to reflect on both our accomplishments during the last year, as well as an opportunity to consider thoughtful questions about what the future may hold.
Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), made the following statement about the sacrifices and contributions made by holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) on behalf of the United States and its national security:
“President Trump's Friday afternoon executive order banning refugees is already wreaking havoc on countless individuals here in the United States and creating lasting repercussions for our country's international stature. Aside from the fact that the United States already has a very extensive vetting process for refugees, the White House's failure to issue guidance for the Department of Homeland Security, airport employees and airlines across the world is causing chaos, fear, and potentially irreparable harm to our international alliances.
“President Trump's reckless executive order on refugees and visa restrictions is contrary to America’s founding principles and threatens our nation's security. The President has chosen to act in direct contrast to our nation’s proud history of helping those in need. President Trump's actions will only create divisions within America, stoke fear and hate, and help recruit more terrorists and extremists to attack America, as well as our partners and friends.
“The immigration system in the United States is broken and needs to be reformed. Building unnecessary walls, attacking local law enforcement by threatening grant funding, demanding costly mass deportation, and damaging relationships with international partners is misguided and reprehensible. Instead, we must have a clear, humane and legal way for those who seek to come to our country to flee violence and instability, or seek new opportunities, to build a better life in the United States.
I want to serve my constituents in any way I can. Whether you need help with a federal agency, are trying to find out if federal grants are available for your project, or are considering applying to a service academy, my staff and I are accessible for those who need assistance.
“I am encouraged that Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson has called for a review of current policies concerning the use of privately run detention centers. I believe they will find that these prisons are not the best our government can provide to ensure everyone's rights are protected.
“At the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, I have witnessed firsthand the exploitative living conditions these detainees face and have advocated for immediate changes to our immigration detention operations.