Kildee Supports Bills to Reform America’s Broken Immigration System

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of two bills, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to reform our immigration system.

"Congressional action to reform our broken immigration system is long overdue," Congressman Kildee said. "While these two bills will not solve every problem, they provide solutions, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to key issues, including supporting our agricultural community and providing DREAMers a path to citizenship. Now that the House has acted in a bipartisan manner, it is my hope that the Senate will take these bills up right away."

The American Dream and Promise Actwould provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented children who have lived in the United States for a long time, but were brought here as children by their parents. Through no fault of their own, DREAMers know no other home than the U.S. and have lived here for decades, contributing to society and paying taxes. It is estimated that deporting DREAMers would hurt America,costing Michigan's economy $390 million annually.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Actwould reform our immigration visa system and update temporary agricultural guestworker programs. By ensuring that America has a strong agricultural workforce through a merit-based visa program, we can support farmers and American businesses so that they can remain competitive in the global economy. The bill would also strengthen America's national security by mandating the use of E-Verify for employees seeking to hire temporary agricultural workers.