Instead of Spreading Fear, Congress Should Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Press Release

U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) today accused the Republican majority of playing to people’s worst fears about immigration instead of working on true immigration reform.

"There is no doubt that our immigration policies are failing, for our society, for our businesses, and for those seeking opportunity," said Rep. DeGette. "However, the Republican majority insists on putting forward proposals that only serve to divide our nation instead of looking towards solutions that will remedy our broken immigration policies."

The U.S. House voted on the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, which was quickly brought up by the Republican majority, with little debate in committee and rushed to the House Floor. The legislation focuses exclusively on border security issues and is silent on the broader challenge of how to address the 6.3 million illegal immigrants already working in our country.

"Criminalizing illegal immigration and building security walls on our border will do little to stem the tide of immigrants coming to our nation," said Rep. DeGette. "While we do need enhanced border security and immigration laws those efforts must go hand in hand with a new process for temporary workers to legally enter and work in our country. Instead of these extreme measures, Congress should adopt solutions that will help our economy, strengthen our border security and reflect our core, American values."

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