The United States is a nation of immigrants and we recognize the contributions that Americans who came to this country from all over the world have made. That’s why House Democrats continue to work for common sense, comprehensive, and balanced immigration reform: reform that secures our borders, respects the rule of law, and provides immigrants with a fair chance of achieving the American Dream.
Meanwhile, President Trump and his Administration have worked to instill fear in communities by splitting families apart with his inhumane family separation policy and ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was established under the Obama Administration to protect Dreamers, immigrant children brought to the United States by their parents through no fault of their own. In addition, President Trump continues to call on American taxpayers to foot the bill for an ineffective and costly border wall.
House Democrats have passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to provide Dreamers and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status with a pathway to citizenship and the certainty they can remain here in the U.S. and continue to contribute to our economy and our nation’s future. We have also passed funding legislation to address the humanitarian situation created by President Trump’s reckless policies at the border as well as legislation to require all individuals in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody to receive an initial medical screening and set certain minimum standards of hygiene, nutrition, and shelter. We will continue to conduct strong oversight at the border to ensure that migrants are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as they seek refuge in our country.
Democrats also believe the President and Congress should come together to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Comprehensive reform is not only the morally right thing to do, but it is also good for our economy and will help our fiscal outlook. According to the Congressional Budget Office, comprehensive immigration reform would reduce the deficit by $900 billion over the next twenty years, including $200 billion in the first decade alone. Comprehensive immigration reform is supported by a majority of Americans, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the AFL-CIO, the agriculture community, the technology community, the faith community, and others.