Even at a time of deep partisan division, the time is ripe for this 116th Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform for the sake of our economy, jobs and millions of hopeful Americans.
For too long, this issue has been languishing under outdated ideas. I have long believed that the only way to modernize our system is by working together to find a path that is innovative and fair. We must implement a new system that is reflective of our our current national priorities without losing sight of our American ideals and global obligations.
In any final agreement, there must be a pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Special pathways are needed for the children of immigrants, brought to the United States as infants, and for migrant workers, who are integral to the operation of our agricultural economies. The pathway to citizenship should require a background check, followed by a probationary period where immigrants learn English, pay back taxes and work before getting in the line for full citizenship.
This pathway to citizenship should work in tandem with improvements to border control and the legal immigration system. We have already drastically reduced illegal border crossings with massive investments in border security over the last decade. Investments in technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, a functional and mandatory employment verification system and better tracking of people entering and exiting the United States is also essential as many immigrants have simply overstayed their visas. I
We must reform the current legal immigration system to reflect our values and the needs of our modern economy. The visa system must admit innovative job creators and their families to the United States while also implementing a better low-tech guest worker program, especially for agricultural workers. In doing so, we must ensure that we protect the rights of all workers, both Americans and immigrants.
I am hopeful that we can implement commonsense, bipartisan immigration reform, as both Republicans and Democrats have agreed to these types of policy ideas in the past. However, I am not blind to the tremendous obstacles that continue to hinder the implementation of any final agreements. I will continue to support successful immigration programs and will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop an immigration system that works for America and all who want to call this great nation home.
As part of an ongoing series, Congressman Schrader shared the stories of Oregon’s Dreamers on the House floor since the administration’s announcement to end the DACA program. Listen to their stories below.
[VIDEO] Marco's Story: a Portland Dreamer, Bachelor’s Degree holder in Accounting, and accountant for an Oregon non-profit that benefits youth.
[VIDEO] Hugo's Story: a Salem Dreamer, company commander of high school JROTC, Salem “Youth of the Year” recipient, and University of Oregon Economics degree holder.
[VIDEO] Priscila's Story: a Salem Dreamer, Oregon State University Human Development & Family Sciences major, and aspiring guidance counselor for South Salem High School.
[VIDEO] Juan's Story: a Monmouth Dreamer, research patient with Cerebral Palsy at Shriners Hospital, Western Oregon University graduate, and current graduate student at Oregon State University.
[VIDEO] Diana's Story: a Portland Dreamer, National Honor Society member, and honors graduate of Benson Polytechnic High School.
[VIDEO] Aldo's Story: a Woodburn Dreamer, Portland State University student, and public health advocate.
[VIDEO] Leo's Story: a Salem Dreamer, full-time senior citizen and disabilities care worker, and co-founder of the Oregon DACA Coalition.
