Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

From our founding and at our core, America has always been a nation of immigrants who have made great contributions to our nation. From building the transcontinental railroad and developing our nation's infrastructure, the immigrant's spirit is the entrepreneurial spirit that has made our nation strong and Silicon Valley the beacon of innovation. Only by forging a path forward on a truly comprehensive immigration reform, can we forge a more perfect union.

Unwavering Champion on Immigration

Since coming to Congress, I have led the constant drumbeat on reforming our broken immigration system so that it is comprehensive, inclusive, and humane, and invests in America's future. I believe in an immigration system that respects the dignity of immigrant communities and recognizes their contributions to American society. As the son of strawberry sharecroppers, I understand the barriers and struggles facing immigrant individuals and families everywhere. I know we can make Silicon Valley, and our nation, stronger by upholding our values and principles and honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of the American dream.

Fighting for an Immigration System that Strengthens our Economy

I know that immigration reform is critical to advancing Silicon Valley's and our nation's technological innovation and economic global competitiveness. I understand that enhancing the employment-based visa categories, including higher caps on H-1B visas and foreign students with advanced U.S. degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, not only makes sense, but doing so makes dollars and cents for CA-17 and our nation. That is why I support the Startup Act 2.0, which would promote economic growth by encouraging investment in startup companies and offering permanent residence to entrepreneurs who create jobs in the U.S. I know that the immigrants' spirit is the spirit and story of entrepreneurs. As the Representative of Silicon Valley, I co-sponsored the Attracting the Best and Brightest Act, which would create a green card category for persons with advanced degrees in STEM.

Forging Our More Perfect Union | Reuniting Families Act

For too long, our immigration system has been an exclusionary tool to keep families apart. That is why in the past four Congresses I introduced the Reuniting Families Act to reduce the visa backlog for legal immigrants and ensure that our families -- all our families -- can be reunited. Additionally, this bill would have eliminated discrimination in immigration law against same-sex binational permanent partners and their families who are seeking to reunite. Same- sex couples and families faced separation or deportation because of the U.S. immigration laws, before the Supreme Court decision United States v. Windsor, that declared Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. Prior to the decision, I was a pioneer in fighting for comprehensive immigration reform that included the recognition of same-sex binational couples and their families in the United States. As vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I successfully led an effort to urge the Department of Homeland Security to provide written policy recognizing LGBT partnerships as family relationships when exercising prosecutorial discretion in removal proceedings. As Immigration Taskforce Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I continue to work with Senate and House leadership, the Administration, and the Congressional Hispanic, Black and Progressive Caucuses, to ensure that all families remain the cornerstone of our immigration system, and to champion immigration reform that strengthens our economy and supports the labor needs of U.S. businesses and Silicon Valley.

Safeguarding the American DREAM | DREAMers and DACA

I have been a leading champion for DREAM students. In 2010, as a member of the DREAM Whip Group, a group composed of key congressional immigration figures, I worked steadfastly with my colleagues, Congressional leadership, CAPAC Members, and the Administration to ensure passage of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act in the House. Despite challenges, I continue to advocate on behalf of DREAM students. I have urged the Administration to ensure that DREAM-eligible students and other low-priority individuals are not deported. I also support President Obama's leadership and compassion in implementing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which shields over a million young immigrants from deportation. This landmark decision was a clarion call to Congress to rise and do its part to make the dreams of the young, hardworking, and high-achieving DREAMers' dreams a reality.

Protecting New Americans and Citizens | SUCCEED Act and Appropriations

The immigrants' pursuit of the American Dream ultimately strengthens our nation's social and economic fabric. That is why I introduced the Strengthen and United Communities through Civic Education and English Skills (SUCCEED) Act, which will provide opportunities for new Americans to gain the vital English skills needed to succeed and contribute to our economy. This legislation will help our economy remain competitive, protect our workers, and incentivize immigrant integration through English and civics education. As a senior Member of the Appropriations Committee, I continue to fight to protect those programs, which positively and inclusively support new citizens and their integration, while holding accountable those programs that threaten our civil rights and justice.

Working with President Obama | Collaboration with the Administration

I have continued to lobby the Obama Administration on immigration, meeting with President Obama, Leader Pelosi and Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President. To continue to put pressure on Speaker Boehner to bring the immigration bill to the floor, I have participated in immigration rallies on the National Mall, supported the Fast 4 Families Movement, and written multiple Op-Ed's featured on The Hill, The Huffington Post, Politico, and Mercury News to shed light on the important issues surrounding immigration reform.

Bipartisan Legislation | Reaching Across The Aisle | Coalition Building

I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 15, the comprehensive immigration reform bill that will increase high skill visas for CA-17 Silicon Valley workers, reunite families, and provide a pathway to citizenship for those living in the shadows. This bill has both Democratic and Republican support with over 190 sponsors, reflecting compromises made from both parties. As the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Immigration Task Force Chair, I have taken the lead on many initiatives to promote essential provisions needed in any comprehensive reform package with the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), and worked with the United Farm Workers urging support for a path to citizenship for farm workers and the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S.

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