IMMIGRATION
Since before my parents immigrated to the United States in the 1960s and 70s, seeking out better opportunities and a government that was not infringing on individual rights, we have seen the amazing ways that immigrants both contribute to and become a part of our communities. We have also seen a system become even more dysfunctional and move from a way to preserve our fundamental values as a nation of immigrants to a nation fearful of anyone who looks different from most of us. Immigrants become Americans and when they do, become part of a unique group of people who have chosen to be part of our rich heritage. We should encourage this path, and welcome those who flee oppression, persecution, and danger just as much as we welcome those who will teach in our universities or invest in our companies. It is the collective experiences of all who come to this country that makes us grow and remain the shining city on the hill.
MY PRIORITIES:
Reform the system to better reflect the number of applicants from each country
Increase the number of immigration judges, especially at the southern border, to adjudicate cases
Better allocate resources for federal agencies to better address current immigration demands and those of the future
Move to a fully electronic immigration database to improve analytics and help manage cases and files
Implement fraud risk initiatives across immigration programs and visas to better fight fraud in the system
Lower the cost of visas sponsored by businesses so that our economic needs are met – these include visas and work permits granted to skilled and unskilled applicants
Improve our education exchange visas to repair the image of our country across the world