In 2010. the Obama Administration began a policy of granting parole to the spouses. parents. and children of military members. Mr. Speaker. because of the Presidents leadership and visionary executive action. 594.000 undocumented immigrants in my home state of Texas are eligible for deferred action. If these immigrants are able to remain united with their families and receive a temporary work permit. it would lead to a $338 million increase in tax revenues. over five years. Finally. Mr. Speaker. let me note that the Presidents laudable executive actions are a welcome development but not a substitute for undertaking the comprehensive reform and modernization of the nations immigration laws supported by the American people. Only Congress can do that. Americas borders are dynamic. with constantly evolving security challenges. Border security must be undertaken in a manner that allows actors to use pragmatism and common sense. Comprehensive immigration reform is desperately needed to ensure that Lady Libertys lamp remains the symbol of a land that welcomes immigrants to a community of immigrants and does so in a manner that secures our borders and protects our homeland. Instead of wasting time debating divisive and mean spirited measures like H. Res. 639. we should instead seize the opportunity to pass legislation that secures our borders. preserves Americas character as the most open and welcoming country in the history of the world. and will yield hundreds of billions of dollars in economic growth.
Keywords matched
immigration undocumented Border security work permit immigrants