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Immigration

We are a nation of immigrants, and I am proud of the heritage of inclusion that defines us all as Americans. Our country thrives on the innovation, culture, and diversity that immigrants from all walks of life bring to the United States. The United States has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for people who seek a better life. History has not looked kindly on us when we have prevented people fleeing violence from seeking refuge in this country.

 

I support comprehensive immigration reform and policies that foster inclusiveness for everyone. I firmly oppose any attempt to make DREAMers feel unsafe, and I strongly condemn any attempt to demean individuals who seek a better life here. President Trump’s proposed wall with our southern border would be a waste of resources. That’s money that we should be spending on rebuilding roads and bridges, improving our schools, and putting people back to work. That money should not be spent on building a symbol of fear and division.

My Work on Immigration

Jul 22, 2020 Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act:

Jun 21, 2020 In The News

Two Will County-area members of Congress praised the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to reject the Trump administration’s attempt to end legal protections for undocumented residents who came into the country as children.

Jun 18, 2020 Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s challenge to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

Feb 4, 2020 Press Release

Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union address:

“As expected, President Trump continues to try and take credit for the Obama economic recovery. The fact is that both job growth and economic growth are slower under President Trump than under President Obama. Under Obama, the stock market tripled, and unemployment was cut in half – President Trump hasn’t come close to matching that record.

Oct 4, 2019 Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced the Keep STEM Talent Act to provide lawful permanent resident status for certain advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree holders. The bill would allow graduates with advanced STEM degrees to remain in the United States following their graduation and would remove barriers for STEM-educated international students who want to work in the United States. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Jul 24, 2019 In The News

Will County area members of the U.S. House of Representatives helped pass a bill aiming to reverse the Trump Administration's travel ban on many Muslim-majority countries.

The House passed the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act to reverse the executive orders, according to a news release.

Jul 4, 2019 In The News
Jul 2, 2019 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced H. Res 468, a resolution supporting DREAMers in the military. The resolution calls on the Secretary of Defense to authorize DREAMers to serve in the armed services. Allowing DREAMers to serve would improve military readiness and let young people who grew up in the United States serve the country they call home.

Jun 25, 2019 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to provide $4.5 billion in emergency appropriations to address the humanitarian crisis at the Southern border:

Jun 5, 2019 In The News

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville called his vote for a bill to provide legal status for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children one of his proudest moments in Congress.

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors, or DREAM, Act was originally filed by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, in 2001, but has never been passed, although it's been brought up multiple times in subsequent congressional sessions.