WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement after House Republicans released their principles on immigration reform:
“After months of stalling on this important issue, I appreciate that House Republicans have at last put forward an outline for how they might reform our broken immigration system. Specifically, I applaud their recognition of DREAMers – those brought here as young children by their parents and who consider America to be their true home – and their commitment to expanding access to Visas for foreigners who have received a university degree in America and now want to contribute to our economy. That said, I remain concerned about certain aspects of their principles and am particularly disappointed in their refusal to consider a true pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. It is important that we take a realistic, long-term view regarding the 14 million people living in the shadows and pass into law a plan that provides tough but reasonable consequences for those who broke the law, but that also treats these people with humanity and provides them with an opportunity to contribute to our economy as well.”