New Democrat Coalition Announces First Immigration Task Force
Today, the leaders of the New Democrat Coalition, led by Chair Ron Kind (WI-03), and Vice Chairs Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Jim Himes (CT-04), Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), released the following statement after the announcement of their first Immigration Task Force:
“As New Dems, we believe America is only as strong as our standing in the global economy, and in order to remain competitive, we must fix our nation’s broken immigration system. We are confident Representatives Jared Polis, Joaquin Castro and Joe Garcia will lead our new task force to develop sound policies to propel future generations of American leaders.”
Chairs of the Task Force also shared their enthusiasm about the inaugural Immigration Task Force.
“I am honored to serve as a chair for the New Democratic Coalition Immigration Taskforce and excited to get to work as Congress moves forward on fixing our broken immigration system. We must address the inefficiencies and injustices in our current immigration system and ensure that our immigration laws reflect our values as Americans, help our country compete globally for talent, and create jobs. That is why now, more than ever, it is critical for the New Democrat Coalition to have a role in shaping comprehensive immigration reform,” said Rep. Jared Polis (CO-02).
“I am very hopeful that 2013 will be the year for immigration reform," said Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20). “I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring about a meaningful solution to this long debated issue."
“As a chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s Immigration Task Force, I will work to achieve real immigration reform that offers undocumented immigrants a tough, fair and responsible pathway to citizenship. This begins by requiring immigrants to learn English, pay taxes and pass background checks. Immigration reform will help strengthen America’s middle class by allowing immigrants to fully participate in our economy, start small businesses and boost our economy,” Rep. Joe Garcia (FL-26) said.
Representatives Polis, Castro, and Garcia will lead the Immigration Task Force alongside their Co-Chairs Representatives Ron Barber (AZ-02), Lois Capps (CA-24), Bill Foster (IL-11), Bill Owens (NY-21), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-51), and Filemon Vela (TX-34).
Previously, the New Dems advocated for much-needed immigration reform policies using a piecemeal approach through various task forces. The new Immigration Task Force puts immigration reform on the forefront of the New Dem policy agenda.
Last Congress, New Dems advocated for a need to invest in modern infrastructure at our ports and borders that is safer, more secure and can help with the flow of people and goods that are important for our global competitiveness.
As part of their Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, New Dems highlighted policies that ensured U.S. universities and employers could recruit and retain highly-skilled individuals from around the world.
The New Democrat Coalition, more than one fourth of the House Democratic Caucus, is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.
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