Issue Position: Immigration

Issue Position

Immigration Reform

Rep. Israel believes Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigraiton reform. In the 111th Congress, Rep. Israel co-sponsored the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act (H.R.4321). This legislation includes increased border enforcement, a verification system for employers to determine whether their employee is an undocumented worker, stricter penalties for employers that hire undocumented workers and a path to citizenship for those here unlawfully, which includes a fee, criminal background check, and English and civil test requirements.

In March 2009, Rep. Israel joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers for a ride-along in the Huntington Station community so he could witness firsthand how federal immigration authorities are working with local law enforcement.

DREAM Act

Rep. Israel is a co-sponsor of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (H.R.1842), introduced by Rep. Howard Berman. Rep Israel voted for the DREAM Act in December 2010 when it passed in the House of Representatives, however the legislation did not pass through the Senate. The DREAM Act was re-introduced in the 112th Congress (2011-2012) in May 2011.

The DREAM Act allows hard-working students who entered the country before they turned sixteen and have been in the United States for at least five years the opportunity to earn permanent residency if they choose to attend college or serve in the military.

United Families

Current immigration laws prohibit same sex couples who wish to marry from putting their partner on a path to citizenship. Congressman Israel is a co-sponsor to the United American Families Act (H.R. 1537), which would have changed the law so that same sex permanent partners are treated like married spouses for the purposes of immigration.

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