Senate Gang of Eight: We Must Have Real Immigration Reform

I am writing in support of meaningful immigration reform and I urge you to deliver a rational, humane and effective policy that honors American values and meets our economic and social needs.

Immigration reform must include a direct path to citizenship for eleven million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. The path to citizenship must be clear and speedy. It cannot be contingent on enforcement “triggers.”

Family unity must be a central component of reform, including LGBT families. It must ensure that families are not separated, as well as strengthen the family immigration system.

Immigration reform must protect all workers, and it should not be used to introduce new mandates for employers to enforce immigration laws. Immigration enforcement must adhere to fundamental due process and human rights standards, and reform legislation must restore fairness and due process protections to immigrants. Immigration reform should not be used to increase taxes by creating ever more expensive programs to secure a border that is already the most secure it has ever been in U.S. history.

Immigrants, their families, and their communities depend on real immigration reform.