“It is important to Americans!” That is what Nancy Pelosi said Just a few moments ago about a path to citizenship.
The House Democrats held a press conference announcing their introdction to a bipartisan bill for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). H.R. 15 “The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act”. It was discussed that the only way to move forward is in a comprehensive way, not piecemeal. They hope the Senate bill that received 2/3 of Senate approval, including Republican approval will help get approval at the House. They will remove the controversial border security elements from the Senate bill and instead insert the border security terms that were approved in the House Homeland Security commitee.
I eagerly wait to see what will happen, if anything, to the repealed sibling category. Congresswoman Judy Chu specifically mentioned this category and stated it is important. Note what I said yesterday about this!
The CIR bill is made to “create jobs and to grow the economy” said Congressman from Colorado.
I am proud of our own Washington State Congresswoman Susan Delbene who so eloquently explained why immigration reform is important to our State (WA) and across the country. Washington has the Canadian border, so border security is important. She talked about our huge farming industry and the need to have a low-skill workforce. She talked about our technology industry and why high-skilled immigration is important. She ensured people knew that the Senate bill also addresses fraud which is why there is so much support from businesses as well as the community. I am grateful that she will be part of this leading group on immigration reform.
“we cannot let the perfect bill be the enemy of the good” said Congresswoman Chu. I agree with her. I commend the steps the Democrats are taking on creating a bill that will gain bipartisan support. Let us carefully watch this space and hope for the best.
I will keep you posted as I learn more on this (I see charts in my future!).