Millions of Americans Wait Patiently for Immigration Reform

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives has had 4
years to bring an immigration bill--any immigration bill--to a vote and
yet has failed to do so.

Oregon businesses, labor, farmers, farmworkers, faith-based groups,
and human rights advocates have all patiently waited for comprehensive
immigration reform. So have millions of Americans and people all across
this Nation as they wait for their legal status to catch up with the
realities of their lives as good and productive members of our society.
Without comprehensive reforms, Oregon businesses are in peril and
Oregon families live in constant fear.

Many of us in the House have offered a bipartisan bill similar to the
Senate's with better border enforcement provisions, but hard-line,
rightwing extreme provisions have hamstrung any action on these bills.

As a result of the intolerable congressional inaction, the President
has issued executive orders to protect folks who have immigrated to
this country and been productive members of society and the economy.
This executive action merely prioritizes deportations for individuals
who harm or pose a threat to our society.

My hope had been that this action would spur comprehensive
immigration reform. Instead, House Republicans now play games with the
Department of Homeland Security's appropriations and put us all at
risk.

It is time to act.

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