New Democrat Coalition Responds to Senate Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
As the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform package with a resounding majority of 68 votes to 32, the New Democrat Coalition’s Immigration Task Force called upon Speaker of the House John Boehner to put politics aside and act in the best interest of American competitiveness in the global economy by passing comprehensive immigration reform.
“As the great-grandson of immigrants and as a former tech entrepreneur, I have experienced firsthand the contribution that immigration makes to our economy and understand that so much of what makes us great – our American ingenuity and innovation – are characteristics that stem from our identity as a country of immigrants. That is why I urge speaker Boehner and House Republicans to stop the distractions that come with piecemeal immigration policy and pass a comprehensive bill that creates American jobs, lowers the deficit, ensures we are more competitive in a global economy and reflects our values as Americans,” said New Dem Immigration Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Jared Polis.
The New Democrat Coalition is closely aligned with America’s science, tech and business communities. In addition to Rep. Polis’s tech expertise, the Coalition’s immigration task force includes a former Microsoft executive with 12 years of experience, Rep. Suzan DelBene and a former high-energy physicist, Rep. Bill Foster. The New Dems’ science and tech experience boosts their position as the voices of America’s high-tech community in the immigration debate.
“Our nation has had the blessing of being a nation built by folks who wanted to come here to make it even better, we must continue to welcome the best and brightest to come to our shores to ensure America remains competitive in today’s economy,” said New Dem Immigration Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Joaquin Castro. “The Senate today made loud and clear their support for comprehensive, pro-growth immigration reform. It’s time for the House to do so as well. I am committed to working with the New Dems and the rest of my colleagues in the House to get this done this year.”
Earlier in June, 41 New Dems joined together on a letter to Chairmen Issa and Goodlatte noting that the SKILLS Visa Act – the House’s weak attempt at high-skill immigration reform – is riddled with shortcomings. The letter urges House leaders to strengthen family-based immigration and include important new visa programs that attract and retain entrepreneurs.
“Today’s vote in the Senate lays the foundation for a comprehensive, bipartisan fix to our broken immigration system,” said New Dem Immigration Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Joe Garcia. “I stand ready to work with my colleagues within the New Democrat Coalition and beyond to finish the tasks of reforming our immigration system to spur economic growth and creating an earned pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants who have come to our country in search of a better life.”
The New Democrat Coalition 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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