WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today released a video message expressing support for the comprehensive immigration reform package passed earlier today by the U.S. Senate. The video is available in English and Spanish. A transcript of the English video follows this release.
“Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to speak with a number of people and businesses about immigration reform, and many of you expressed support for one or more of the ideas included in the Senate bill,” said Himes in the video. “I support the Senate plan as a practical solution to our broken immigration system, and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to bring this plan up for a vote.”
In the video, Himes outlines the economic benefit of immigration reform. For example, granting legal status to unauthorized immigrants will generate as many as 1.2 million new jobs. Ensuring that these immigrants pay their full and fair share of taxes will bring in an additional $140 billion in new revenue over the next ten years.
The Senate passed the immigration reform bill with a broad, bipartisan vote of 68 to 32. The bill creates a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrants currently here, sets targets for border security, and expands immigration opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and graduates in the STEM fields. Learn more about the Senate bill here.
Hi, I’m Congressman Jim Himes. Today, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform package that will help businesses grow, keep families together, and better secure our national borders. The plan passed by the Senate will normalize the status of 11 million people living in the shadows and implement a better system to crack down on cheaters who hire the undocumented. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to speak with a number of people and businesses about immigration reform, and many of you expressed support for one or more of the ideas included in the Senate bill. I support the Senate plan as a practical solution to our broken immigration system, and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to bring this plan up for a vote.
The benefits of immigration reform are many. An immigrant is 30% more likely to start a new business than a US-born citizen. That means real jobs for American workers. In fact, granting legal status to unauthorized immigrants will generate as many as 1.2 million new jobs. And by making sure these immigrants are paying their full and fair share of taxes, we will bring in an additional $140 billion in new revenue over the next ten years. This money can go towards improving our schools, investing in infrastructure projects that create jobs, and extending the solvency of Medicare.
Ultimately, everybody wants the same thing: to get a good job, to raise a family, and to be treated as equals. That is the true American Dream. As Congress moves forward on fixing our immigration system, I will continue advocating for real reform that promotes the success of our workers and the economy.