It has become plainly evident that America’s immigration system is broken.  Our country has always prided itself on its incredible multiculturalism; our community in Dallas alone is home to families from across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.  Unfortunately, shortsighted legislation has left us with a patchwork of ineffective laws that hurt families.  With the right reforms, Congress can forge comprehensive reforms to our immigration system that will foster economic growth, keep families and communities together, protect workers’ rights, and restore this nation to being a more peaceful and tolerant society.

I have always pursued pragmatic immigration reform that serves to better our country and the constituents in the 30th district of Texas.  It is important that Congress works towards legislation that provides positive impacts for all, without disadvantaging any American or resident of this great country.  I believe that an approach of offering a regulated pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, a streamlined system for legal immigration, and increased disincentives for illegal immigration is the best step forward for both immigrants and citizens.  To this end, I have pursued legislation such as the DREAM Act, which provides for conditional residency agreements for immigrants who were brought to this country as children- and have been positive members of the community during their time here.  This is a meaningful step, but more must be done by Congress.