Immigration
“We’ve got to find a way to build a solution… and there is a responsibility on our part to recognize that the federal government and immigration system failed.” – Dave Reichert 8/8/13
We are a nation of immigrants and have a history of welcoming individuals from around the world to share in the American Dream. Each and every time I travel the district, I have the opportunity to hear the stories of those seeking to realize the American Dream – providing for their families and contributing to their communities. However, they are limited by our current immigration system that is broken and in need of true, lasting reform.
Any lasting reform must include real border security as its first priority; the government has neglected this for too long. But we also can’t ignore the fact that those who came here illegally are real people with real stories and families, searching for the American Dream. There must be a process for these men, women, and children to be able to earn the right to live here legally and to do so without fear.
At the same time, those who have been willing to abide by our current process should receive priority, and our employers, whether it be a high-tech firm in Sammamish or a grower in Wenatchee, need a workable system.
This is something I am committed to solving and will work to accomplish.
Congressman Reichert is actively working in the House to:
Create a workable solution for employers, both large and small, that allows us to retain the best and brightest
Support Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs available to those who assisted our military in Afghanistan and Iraq—putting their lives in danger to assist the U.S.
Provide predictablility and certainty for the agriculture industry through reform of the H-2A system
Secure our borders
Address the backlog of those that have applied and are waiting for visas
Find a bipartisan solution for the undocumented currently residing in the U.S.