Immigration Overhaul

The United States has been built in part by immigrants that have come from diverse parts of the globe and helped nurtured our economic and technological growth. The United States has been able to attract great minds and experts from across the globe, a land of dreams that gave people an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. An opportunity to serve, develop new things, be an inventor, build a new generation of technology, new medication, etc.

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Immigrants are people who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families. They are fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution. They are coming to the United States to work hard, contribute to society, and build a better future for themselves.

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We have benefited from immigration positively and it made every one of our lives better and ensured our world dominance. Currently, around 14% of our residents are born in another country, contributing billions of dollars in taxes and as a customer over a trillion dollars to the US economy. Immigrants make up significant shares of the U.S. workforce in a range of industries, accounting for over two-fifths of all farming, fishing, and forestry workers—as well as one-quarter of those working in computer and math sciences. Around 4 million immigrants work in the health care and social assistance industry. Source: American Immigration Council. They help to fill labor shortages in many industries.

 

Immigration reform is a complex issue, but it is one that needs to be addressed. The current system is not working, and it is time for change. We need to create a system that is fair, humane, and efficient. We need a system that works for everyone, including immigrants, businesses, and the economy.

 

While several measures have been implemented in the past they have not done enough to provide a safe and sound environment for immigrants. It is difficult for people to immigrate legally, and it is even more difficult for undocumented immigrants to stay in the country legally. This creates a system where people are forced to live in the shadows, afraid of deportation. More is required and quickly to ensure we keep families together, and provide a quick path to residency and citizenship. My focus areas will be:

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• A complete overhaul of the immigration system that meets the needs of the modern world and the new global dynamics. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was enacted in 1952. While the INA has been amended many times over the years and contains many of the most important provisions of immigration law, the time has come to re-review and pass a new law that aligns with today’s realities. It is important to have a comprehensive immigration reform that addresses all of the issues. A comprehensive reform will be more effective than a piecemeal approach.

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• Build mechanisms to attract and retain a critical workforce to support the growth and development needs of the country in 21st century. Additional quantities and categories of visas are required for both low-skilled and high-skilled workers to support the growing needs of various industries with labor shortages.

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• Revamp family visa requirements to ensure families can live together, work and add to society.

 

I will support and vote for the newly introduced U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023 that aims at meeting the above objectives and uniting families.