| Congressman Gabe Vasquez, a first-generation Mexican-American raised on both sides of the border now representing nearly 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, penned an op-ed laying out his vision for the “New American Immigration Plan” — a set of commonsense solutions to create a fair and balanced immigration system. The plan lays out an approach to secure our borders, boost U.S. economic power, create strategic pathways, and uphold American values.
Read more about Vasquez’s plan:
America’s Promise: Both Parties Have Failed on Immigration: It’s Time for a New American Immigration Plan
- As someone raised on both sides of the border, I’ve crossed the border more times than I can count…I know the border well — what makes our trade economy tick…the staffing shortages that create long lines at its ports of entry, and the immense challenges my district faced during recent mass migration events.
- I have the privilege and responsibility of representing nearly 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border in Congress…The voters — many of whom share my experience of life along the border — trust me and want real change in their communities.
- Republicans and Democrats have spent years politicizing immigration, swinging between inaction, cruelty, and chaos; labeling it as an “impossible” problem and dodging their responsibility to fix it.
- …I believe policymakers from border communities can bring about real, tangible change… [the system] can be better, more humane, more predictable, and safer for all Americans.
- That’s why I’ve been working…along with my colleagues in Congress, to create the New American Immigration Plan.
- …We have to truly understand what it means to secure our border and invest in the smartest solutions possible… border agents and residents on the ground will tell you… technology matters… We can do that. Democrats can lead, and it can pave the way to longer lasting reforms.
- Investing in the right tools also saves money in the long run — money we should be using to properly staff, train, and pay the customs agents at the border.
- …Immigration policy should reflect the economic needs of our nation…and meet the most in-demand workforce needs that fuel our nation’s economy.
- A serious immigration plan has to recognize that legal, well-regulated pathways for in-demand workers strengthens our American workforce instead of undermining it…
- …Enforcement has to reflect our American values. We are a nation of laws, a nation that believes in due process, fairness, and basic human rights. Those ideas are bipartisan, and they’re what make us American.
- I’ve seen what happens when Washington gets it wrong, and the stakes are too high to not act.
- …The border is not just a political talking point. It’s a place. It’s people. It’s work, family, culture, and history…we can move the ball forward if we choose to talk with each other and compromise.
- …We need to start listening to the leaders and policymakers who have an intimate, real-life view of the border and immigration policy and have the courage to change course.
- I believe the New American Immigration Plan is a step in that direction…And I believe the country is ready for it.
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