United States Representative Bobby L. Rush is a transcendent and influential American leader who keeps his legislative and policy interests focused on the needs of his constituents in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and the communities that have been left behind. He believes deeply in the redemptive power of the human spirit and in human ingenuity and tenacity. In office since 1993, Rush stands on the shoulders of a long line of patriots and public servants who have gone before him and who are ardent believers in our Constitution. His life is an example of our nation’s fundamental promise and his work reflects a deep determination to bend the arc of government resources and innovation towards the needs of every American — whether they live on our nation’s main streets or its side streets. Rush fights every day for his constituents; to improve their lives, grow the economy, bring jobs to the district, and build a stronger middle class.
We have seen time and time again that multicultural immigration has been, and continues to be, an important factor in the development of the United States. From the very beginning of our history, immigrants from around the world have played an important role in helping to weave our modern social fabric. It is for this reason that I am a firm believer in immigration reform that addresses this very serious problem in a comprehensive, reasonable, and humane fashion. It is also my belief that reform measures must include a review of all of our immigration policy including, but not limited to, border security, E-Verify, and H-2B Visas.
I do not believe that it is feasible nor humane to deport the millions of undocumented migrants currently residing in the United States. Therefore, I support immigration reform that not only includes strengthening our borders but also addresses creating a pathway to citizenship, firmly and fairly enforcing the laws, and restoring and ensuring due process. However, let me be clear, I do not believe that a wall or other physical obstruction is the best way to secure our border. In fact, a physical barrier oftentimes makes enforcement more difficult than other means (e.g. technology); this is especially true when funding for such a barrier would mean a reduction in the very personnel charged with protecting our borders.
We also must address the issue of family reunification. I have personally advocated for and sponsored legislation, including my American Right to Family Act, that would allow families seeking legal citizenship in the United States to stay together. I have seen numerous instances of families that have been divided because the family member who sponsored them passed away. When considering these cases, we must keep in mind that these families have tried to do the right thing and it is not fair to penalize them by allowing their families to become broken because our immigration system is often slow, inefficient, inhumane, and expensive.
I also firmly believe that we must find a way to ensure that DREAMers, who were brought to America as children and are law-abiding and contributing members of society, have a path to citizenship in this country, the country they know and call home.
Finally, any legislation or action taken on immigration must be free of racial and religious bias or discrimination. I continue to oppose any measure that discriminates against an individual because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, or their faith.