Archive for the ‘Immigration Reform’ Category

Immigration – Beto For America

Above all else, immigration is about people not just those who have recently arrived or those yet to come, but the kind of people we choose to be. Since the Founding, the compact we made as a nation was to welcome the oppressed, the persecuted, and the hopeful from all over the world because we recognize that immigrants enrich every aspect of our society with their determination and genius. Each successive generation of Americans has included immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, strengthening this nation that we share.

The current administration has chosen to defy this American aspiration, drafted into our Declaration of Independence, welded into the welcome of our Statue of Liberty, and secured by the sacrifices of countless generations. Instead, the current administration is pursuing cruel and cynical policies that aim to sow needless chaos and confusion at our borders. It is manufacturing crises in our communities. And it is seeking to turn us against each other. When this is done in our name, with our tax dollars, and to our neighbors, we not only undermine our laws, hold back our economy, and damage our security we risk losing ourselves.

The day I became a U.S. citizen after almost 18 long years was the best day of my life

See Carlos story of coming to America and getting his citizenship.

But at this moment of peril, we have a chance not only to reverse course but to advance a new vision of immigration that more fully reflects our values. As a fourth-generation El Pasoan, Beto uniquely recognizes the urgency of fixing our broken immigration and naturalization system. Rooted in his experience serving the largest binational community in the Western Hemisphere one that draws its strength and prosperity from its rich heritage of welcoming immigrants Beto is proposing a new path forward to ensure we honor our laws, live up to our values, and once again harness the power of a new generation of immigration toward our shared prosperity.

Betos plan, which would represent the most sweeping rewrite of our nations immigration and naturalization laws in a generation, is built on three key pillars:

Everything Ive worked for and known is in America

See why Daisy wants to continue building a life and career in the only place shes known to be home.

The current administrations cruel and cynical policies are sowing needless chaos and confusion at our borders and in our communities. On day one of his presidency, Beto will take immediate executive action to end these practices and replace them with policies that conform to our laws and values, restore order and process to our asylum and immigration systems, and refocus our tax dollars on smart security. Those executive actions will:

An ORourke administration will ensure lawful and humane conditions at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, including access to medical treatment, mental health care, social workers, and translators, and restore orderly and prompt processing of people seeking refuge under our nations asylum laws. As president, Beto will:

Becoming a naturalized citizen allowed me to help other survivors

Read about Evelyns journey to America and her work helping other survivors of human trafficking

As President, Beto will push to rewrite our nations immigration and naturalization laws in our own image. These laws have not been meaningfully modernized in decades, despite the efforts of multiple administrations. But we have the chance to chart a new course that more fully vindicates the promise of this nation of immigrants. Beto will work with Congress to achieve that vision. He will reunite families and ensure they have a chance to contribute more to our economy and our communities and pursue the American Dream. He will put workers and employers on a level playing field to, together, tap into the opportunity immigration presents for our economic growth and shared prosperity. And he will do that while boosting the security and functionality of our borders.

This is not just right but also essential to our shared prosperity. Immigrants from every corner of the world those who came here on student visas and those seeking refuge from persecution have been a key driver of our economic growth. They have been responsible for nearly one-third of all new small business, one-fifth of all Fortune 500 companies. And achieving immigration reform will be critical to unlocking our future success creating at least 3 million jobs over the next decade, adding $2 billion to state and local tax revenues each year, and cutting the deficit by at least $1 trillion over the next 20 years.

Naturalization, too, promises economic gains.A recent study of 21 U.S. cities found that if all eligible immigrant residents were to naturalize, incomes would increase by $5.7 billion, homeownership would rise by over 45,000, and tax revenues would grow $2 billion. The same study showed GDP would grow by $37 to 52 billion per year if half of those eligible nationwide naturalized.

In his first hundred days, Beto will put the full weight of the presidency behind passing legislation that:

Read Joses story of coming to America, finishing school, and starting a business

Were just looking to get that chance too.

Read Davids story of finding new opportunity after losing his home during Hurricane Wilma

Consistent with this broad vision, Betos plan strengthens our partnership with our neighbors throughout the Western Hemisphere and will be implemented alongside partners in the Northern Triangle and across the region. His foreign policy will increase our engagement within the hemisphere, elevate the importance of Latin America, refocus on supporting democracy and human rights, end our failed war on drugs, and invest in reducing violence and combating climate change, because the only path to regional security runs through a more democratic and prosperous Latin America.

I am living proof the American Dream is alive.

Read Joses story of coming to America, finishing school, and starting to grow a business

I love the opportunities that the United States brings when you start your own business and work hard

Pacfico shares his story of growing his business and raising a family in the U.S..

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Immigration - Beto For America

Beto O’Rourke proposes sweeping immigration reform – CBS News

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke unveiled a wide-ranging immigration plan Wednesday designed to create a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented U.S. residents. It includes an immediate path for "Dreamers" and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

O'Rourke's plan also calls for easing the naturalization process for some 9 million immigrants already eligible for citizenship.

The former Texas congressman said the series of legislative and executive actions is "the most sweeping rewrite of our nation's immigration and naturalization laws in a generation."

"This innovative plan overcomes a generation of inaction to finally rewrite our immigration laws in our own image" O'Rourke said in a statement released by his campaign. "Coming from a city of immigrants (El Paso), I've seen the incredible contributions of immigrants to our communities and local economies."

O'Rourke's plan rescinds the Trump administration policy of returning asylum seekers at the southern border to Mexico while they wait for their claims to be processed. It also calls for the reinstatement of the Central American Minors program, which would allow children with parents in the U.S. to apply for refugee status in their home countries.

According to the campaign, O'Rourke's plan would increase staffing in the asylum system, including a deployment of up to 2,000 lawyers to the border.

During an interview on the CBS News broadcast "Face the Nation" Sunday, O'Rourke told moderator Margaret Brennan the roughly 16,000 migrants in U.S. detention facilities are comprised mostly of asylum seekers and need to be connected with case workers.

"We know from past history that when we connect them with case managers in a community, they have a 99% chance of meeting their court dates and their appointments with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)," O'Rourke told Brennan. "And it costs us a tenth of what we pay to keep them in detention and in custody."

While O'Rourke calls for an increase in border security personnel and investing in border security technology, the plan seeks an immediate halt in border wall construction. The campaign says as president, O'Rourke's "first budget, and every budget, will include zero dollars for this unnecessary wall."

With an eye on transparency and accountability, O'Rourke would create an independent Border Oversight Commission, create a uniform process for tracking and preventing migrant deaths and improve training and education for ICE and CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) personnel.

O'Rourke would also invest $5 billion in the "Northern Triangle" region (the Central American countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador) "to fight violence and poverty and bolster our shared security and prosperity." The plan, however, calls on politicians and elites in the region to "do their part."

"Real change will require their full engagement," O'Rourke says. "If they want access to the United States to do business, to vacation, to send their kids to college they must commit to ending corruption and self- dealing."

O'Rourke joins fellow Democratic presidential candidate and fellow Texan Julin Castro, a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the only two Democratic candidates in the crowded field to release immigration blueprints.

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Beto O'Rourke proposes sweeping immigration reform - CBS News

Beto O’Rourke immigration reform plan ‘In Our Own Image’

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke discusses immigration reform plan Tuesday, May 28, at Chamizal National Memorial park in El Paso. El Paso Times

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke of El Pasoreleased his immigration plan in his bid for the 2020 presidential election.

Here is a copy of O'Rourke's plan, which is titled "In Our Own Image."

Beto ORourkes Plan for Rebuilding Our Immigration and Naturalization System To Make It Work Better for Our Families, Our Communities, and Our Economy

Above all else, immigration is about people not just those who have recently arrived or those yet to come, but the kind of people we choose to be. Since the Founding, the compact we made as a nation was to welcome the oppressed, the persecuted, and the hopeful from all over the world because we recognize that immigrants enrich every aspect of our society with their determination and genius. Each successive generation of Americans has included immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, strengthening this nation that we share.

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke discusses immigration reform plan Tuesday, May 28, at Chamizal National Memorial park in El Paso.(Photo: Briana Sanchez / El Paso Times)

The current administration has chosen to defy this American aspiration, drafted into our Declaration of Independence, welded into the welcome of our Statue of Liberty, and secured by the sacrifices of countless generations. Instead, the current administration is pursuing cruel and cynical policies that aim to sow needless chaos and confusion at our borders. It is manufacturing crises in our communities. And it is seeking to turn us against each other. When this is done in our name, with our tax dollars, and to our neighbors, we not only undermine our laws, hold back our economy, and damage our security we risk losing ourselves.

More: 'Running with Beto' is on HBO here's what people are saying

But at this moment of peril, we have a chance not only to reverse course but to advance a new vision of immigration that more fully reflects our values. As a fourth-generation El Pasoan, Beto uniquely recognizes the urgency of fixing our broken immigration and naturalization system. Rooted in his experience serving the largest binational community in the Western Hemisphere one that draws its strength and prosperity from its rich heritage of welcoming immigrants Beto is proposing a new path forward to ensure we honor our laws, live up to our values, and once again harness the power of a new generation of immigration toward our shared prosperity.

Betos plan, which would represent the most sweeping rewrite of our nations immigration and naturalization laws in a generation, is built on three key pillars:

1. On day one of his presidency, Beto will use executive authority to stop the inhumane treatment of children, reunite families that have been separated, reform our asylum system, rescind the travel bans, and remove the fear of deportation for Dreamers and beneficiaries of programs like TPS.

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2. Beto will also immediately engage with Congress to enact legislation focused on the key role families and communities play that will allow America to fully harness the power of economic growth and opportunity that both immigration and naturalization will bring to our countrys future.

3. Finally, Betos plan would strengthen our partnership with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. We need to refocus on supporting democracy and human rights and invest in reducing violence because the only path to regional security runs through a more democratic and prosperous Latin America.

Marco Pastrana talks to Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke during a discussion about his immigration reform plan Tuesday, May 28, at Chamizal National Memorial park in El Paso.(Photo: Briana Sanchez / El Paso Times)

I. ENDING THE CRUEL AND CYNICAL POLICIES THAT CREATE CHAOS AT OUR BORDERS AND IN OUR COMMUNITIES ON DAY ONE

The current administrations cruel and cynical policies are sowing needless chaos and confusion at our borders and in our communities. On day one of his presidency, Beto will take immediate executive action to end these practices and replace them with policies that conform to our laws and values, restore order and process to our asylum and immigration systems, and refocus our tax dollars on smart security. Those executive actions will:

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke and his wife Amy O'Rourke listen to Marco Pastrana during a discussion about immigration reform Tuesday, May 28, at Chamizal National Memorial park in El Paso.(Photo: Briana Sanchez / El Paso Times)

An ORourke administration will ensure lawful and humane conditions at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, including access to medical treatment, mental health care, social workers, and translators, and restore orderly and prompt processing of people seeking refuge under our nations asylum laws. As president, Beto will:

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke discusses immigration reform plan Tuesday, May 28, at Chamizal National Memorial park in El Paso.(Photo: Briana Sanchez / El Paso Times)

Reinstate the Central American Minors program allowing children with parents in the U.S. to apply for refugee status from their home countries and other regional refugee resettlement efforts, working with the international community to process cases in the region and commit to resettling in partner countries.

More: 2020 Election: Democratic Candidate Beto O'Rourke unveils sweeping immigration reform plan

Take immediate steps to upgrade and increase staffing in the asylum system, streamline how cases move through the process, and provide timely and fair asylum decisions, while laying the foundation for a more fundamental reform to the immigration court system that restores due process and ensures equal access to justice, including by:

Personally lead a public-private initiative to bring humanitarian resources to the border.

Rescind the discriminatory travel bans, which defy our nations Constitution and values.

Immediately remove the fear of deportation for Dreamers and their parents and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries, and begin work towards a permanent legislative solution.

More: Beto O'Rourke discusses Trump impeachment, opioid crisis, immigration during CNN Town Hall

Refocus on smart security. The current administration is distracting CBP and other law enforcement personnel from focusing on actual threats and undermining their efficacy by pulling resources away from them all in pursuit of a wall that we do not need, does not work, and will not make us safer. As President, Beto will:

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II. STRENGTHENING OUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND ECONOMY BY REWRITING OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS IN OUR OWN IMAGE

As President, Beto will push to rewrite our nations immigration and naturalization laws in our own image. These laws have not been meaningfully modernized in decades, despite the efforts of multiple administrations. But we have the chance to chart a new course that more fully vindicates the promise of this nation of immigrants. Beto will work with Congress to achieve that vision. He will reunite families and ensure they have a chance to contribute more to our economy and our communities and pursue the American Dream. He will put workers and employers on a level playing field to, together, tap into the opportunity immigration presents for our economic growth and shared prosperity. And he will do that while boosting the security and functionality of our borders.

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This is not just right but also essential to our shared prosperity. Immigrants from every corner of the world those who came here on student visas and those seeking refuge from persecution have been a key driver of our economic growth. They have been responsible for nearly one-third of all new small business, one-fifth of all Fortune 500 companies. And achieving immigration reform will be critical to unlocking our future success creating at least 3 million jobs over the next decade, adding $2 billion to state and local tax revenues each year, and cutting the deficit by at least $1 trillion over the next 20 years.

Naturalization, too, promises economic gains. One study of 21 U.S. cities found that if all eligible immigrant residents were to naturalize, incomes would increase by $5.7 billion, homeownership would rise by over 45,000, and tax revenues would grow $2 billion. If half of those eligible nationwide naturalized, GDP would grow by $37 to 52 billion per year.

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke discusses immigration reform plan Tuesday, May 28, at Chamizal National Memorial park in El Paso.(Photo: Briana Sanchez / El Paso Times)

In his first hundred days, Beto will put the full weight of the presidency behind passing legislation that:

Creates an earned pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented people that is more efficient than previous proposals and includes an immediate path for Dreamers and beneficiaries of programs like the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs.

More: Beto O'Rourke to appear on CNN Town Hall as he relaunches presidential campaign

Strengthens our families, communities, and economy by prioritizing family unity a hallmark of our best traditions through provisions that:

Establishes a new, first-of-its-kind community-based visa category. Betos proposal will create a brand new category whereby communities and congregations can welcome refugees through community sponsorship of visas. This program will supplement the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which will be rebuilt and restored to align with Americas tradition of welcoming vulnerable refugees from around the world.

Increase the visa caps so that we match our economic opportunities and needs for work, education, investment, and innovation to the number of people we allow into this country. This also means legislation that will:

Make naturalization easier for the nearly 9 million immigrants who are currently eligible for citizenship. If we are to reestablish our reputation as a nation that welcomes immigrants, we must make it easier for those already here to become full-fledged citizens. This means pursuing legislation that:

Bolster security and functionality of the border where trade and travel occur. Beto will draw on his lived experience at the border to push for legislation that actually supports our law enforcement and our border communities in advancing the nations security and protection from all threats. This includes three steps:

Increasing Personnel: Immediately stop the smuggling of drugs and prevent human trafficking across the border by hiring, training, and assigning additional CBP personnel at land border crossings;

Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in smart, long-term border security by improving existing ports of entry and constructing new ones, investing in evidence-based, cost-effective technology, and supporting federal grant programs that provide resources to both state and local law enforcement and our border communities; and

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Beto O'Rourke immigration reform plan 'In Our Own Image'

4 Keys to the Immigration Reform We Need

Immigration is one of the fundamental building blocks that helpmake America the unique nation that it is.

But the debate over border security and immigration has becometoxic because politicians have put politics before principles. And reasonableAmericans find themselves trapped between zealots on both sides.

For over two centuries, the United States has welcomed millions of people from every corner of the globe. And today, we lawfully admit over 1 million people every year. That is more than any other country in the world.

The debate is not about whether we should allow immigrationits about how we do so in a way that protects American sovereignty, respects the rule of law, and is beneficial to all Americans.

So what does a thoughtful agenda for American immigration reformlook like?

Here are four guiding principles:

1. We must respect the consent of the governedthat is, the will of the people.

Individuals who are not citizens do not have a right to American citizenship without the consent of the American people. That consent is expressed through the laws of the United States.

Through those laws, we the people invite individuals from othercountries, under certain conditions, to join us as residents and fellowcitizens.

2. We cannot compromise national security and public safety.

Every nation has the right, recognized by both international anddomestic law, to secure its borders and ports of entry and control what and whois coming into its country.

A disorganized and chaotic immigration system encourages peopleto go around the law and is a clear invitation to those who wish to takeadvantage of our openness to harm the nation.

Secure borders, especially in a time of terrorist threat, arecrucial to American national security.

3. Becoming a citizen means becoming an American. We must preserve patriotic assimilation.

The founding principles of this nation imply that an individual of any ethnic heritage or racial background can become an American. Thats why we have always welcomed immigrants seeking the promises and opportunities of the American dream.

Patriotic assimilation is the bond that allows America to be anation of immigrants. Without it, we cease to be a country with a distinctcharacter, becoming instead a hodgepodge of different groups.

If we are to be a united nation, living up to our motto of e pluribus unumout of many, onewe all must understand and embrace a common language, history, and civic culture.

And that not only benefits America, but also those immigrants andtheir families who aspire to prosper here.

4. Our lawmakers must respect the rule of law, and immigration is no exception.

Failure to enforce our immigration laws is unfair to those whoobey the law and follow the rules to enter the country legally.

Those who enter and remain in the country illegally should notbe rewarded with legal status or other benefits. When politicians condone suchbehavior they only encourage further illegal conduct.

Based on these principles, immigration reform should include transitioning to a merit-based system. We should end practices like chain migration, birthright citizenship, the visa lottery, arbitrary per-country immigration caps, and any form of amnesty for those here illegally.

We must close loopholes that prevent enforcement of our laws andhave overwhelmed immigration courts, allowing illegitimate asylum claimants andother lawbreakers to remain in the U.S. indefinitely.

And we must take on these issues one by one. A comprehensive deal subjects the fate of policies with universal appeal to the fate of the most controversial topics. The key is to begin by working on the solutions on which most Americans agree.

We must and can address this issue in a manner that is fair, responsible, humane, and prudent. This is too important an issue to not get right and too important an issue to be driven by partisan agendas.

Lets stay focused on what is best for the welfare of all Americans, both those of today and those of the future.

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4 Keys to the Immigration Reform We Need

Inaction on immigration reform is hurting Arizona’s …

Howard Schultz, opinion contributor Published 11:55 a.m. MT April 29, 2019

Republican members of Congress visit the Yuma border area with U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. Ronald J. Hansen, The Republic | azcentral.com

Opinion: It is time to reframe the immigration debate and recognize the ways immigration benefits our nations economy, the former Starbucks CEO says.

While stopping in Arizona, I heard from local law enforcement officials, business ownersand residents who shined a light on the national security and human implications of our border crisis and broken immigration system.

Looking at the issue through the eyes of those who live these issues every day reinforced that there are practical, realistic ways to secure our border while recognizing the value immigrants contribute to our economy and communities.

For decades, Washington has failed to enact common-sense immigration reform even though huge majorities of Americans are demanding it. Politicians talk about immigration as a left or a right issue, but as I sat with people in these communities, it was clear they do not view their problems through a partisan lens.

The Arizonans I met simply want political leaders to pass sensible, humane immigration reforms.

I agree with those who say that Americas southern border remains insecure. Our visa system has grown outdated and is insufficient for our countrys security and economic needs. In addition, we must begin to deploy advanced technology to bolster security on the border, enhance our existing border fence and add additional border patrol agents where needed.

I agree with those who say that Americas southern border remains insecure. Our visa system has grown outdated and is insufficient for our countrys security and economic needs.

But Washingtons insistence on weaponizing immigration does nothing to make our country safer or more prosperous. Instead, it unleashes uncertainty and economic disruption that adversely affect communities and economies across the country.

In 2018, Arizonas cross-border trade with Mexico totaled $16.7 billion. But the benefits of our trade with Mexico extend far beyond border states: Mexico is Americas third-largest trading partner with $612 billion in total trade per year, or $1.7 billion per day.

We should be encouraging, not discouraging, trade between our two dynamic economies.

For states like Arizona, the border and the legal immigrants who cross it represent economic growth and opportunity. Our leaders inability to enact common-sense immigration reforms is also disrupting once-thriving border communities that depend on cross-border trade.

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In Nogales, between 2007 and 2017, 24 businesses in downtown closed as customers from Mexico stopped shopping. The population in Nogales also declined by 4 percent from 2010 to 2017, as people moved away, no longer able to make a living.

American communities that depend on sensible immigration policies are suffering the consequences of todays negligent leadership on this issue.

Attitudes of those who live and work near the border and their desire for a solution seem to be lost in politicians discourse about immigration. Arizonans want a secure border, and they also support legal pathways to citizenship for the many hardworking immigrants they call neighbors, business partners, customersand friends.

Similarly, Americans overwhelmingly support a path to citizenship for the "dreamers" who contribute to our economy and know only this country as their home.

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It is time to reframe the immigration debate and recognize the ways immigration benefits our nations economy. Immigrants are job creators: They are twice as likely as native-born Americans to start a business, and 43 percent of Fortune 500 companies are led by first- or second-generation immigrants.

Americas labor force also relies on immigrants: According to the Pew Research Center, without immigrants and their children, the U.S. workforce will decline over the next two decades.

Immigrants fill important jobs that a number of sectors are looking to fill. Today, the U.S. faces critical worker shortages in industries as diverse as technology, farming and construction. Reforming our visa processes would enable law-abiding, skilled immigrants to come here and contribute to our economy.

The only things stopping us from passing legislation that keeps America safe while preventing unwanted crossings and illegal cross-border activity are political will and moral leadership.

As Americans, we have long been a shining example of how to pool diverse ideas and people in ways that expand access to life, liberty, and happiness. It is time for practical, humane immigration policies that secure our border, encourage free trade, stimulate local and domestic economies and welcome hardworking people who have something to contribute to America.

Howard Schultz is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks.He recently announced that he is considering running for president as a centrist independent outside of the two-party system.

Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2019/04/29/howard-schultz-immigration-reform-inaction-hurts-arizona-economy/3617929002/

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Inaction on immigration reform is hurting Arizona's ...