From our earliest days, immigrants have been an essential part of the fabric of American society, and our prosperity. We would not have, could not have achieved the great successes of the American story, here at home and throughout the world, without the continuous influx and influence of new citizens from around the world.
Still, our current immigration system needs comprehensive reform. We have a process that has unacceptably long wait times and often overwhelming bureaucratic challenges. Combined with imperfect border security and strong incentives to enter this country, we have had an unprecedented influx of undocumented immigrants. The result is over eleven million people living in the shadows of our economy, and often our communities.
As a member of Congress, I will support comprehensive immigration reform that effectively secures our borders, while at the same time creating a clear, fair and equitable path for legal residency, and ultimately citizenship, for those already living in the United States. People who are productively contributing to their communities and our country.
I will also strongly advocate for the DREAM Act. This important legislation will provide undocumented immigrant students who graduate from US high schools the opportunity to pursue university educations, to fully develop their talents and skills, and contribute throughout their lifetimes to their new country.
