IMMIGRATION REFORM

12/29/2019

​

​

The following factors provide a framework outlining comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system.

 

1.  Establish an inclusive roadmap to citizenship for undocumented individuals and families who do not have a current pathway to legal status. Such a system will entail granting work authorization to those in U.S. for more than five-years, significant fines to be paid over a five-year period, and include undergoing a criminal background check, learning English, payment of back taxes, and maintaining a clean lawful presence. After a 10-year period, individuals will be eligible for Lawful Permanent Status and will be able to apply for full citizenship thereafter.

 

2.  Provide an immediate pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and those under Temporary Protected Status and defend and expand DACA and TPS.

 

3.  Reinstitute the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA).

 

4.  Repeal Section 1325 of the Immigration and Nationality Act which applies a criminal, rather than civil violation to people apprehended at the border. End the use of detention in conducting enforcement, except in serious criminal instances. Eliminate immigration enforcement activities at or near sensitive locations including houses of worship and Federal or local Courthouses/

 

5.  Reorganize the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency by splitting responsibilities with other pertinent agencies and investigating all existing claims of inappropriate ICE, CBP activities in carrying out detention of families at U.S. facilities.

 

6.  End wasteful, ineffective border wall construction except for replacement of existing fencing or other current barriers.  Concentration should be given to increased technology and other mechanisms for maintaining control over our borders.

 

7.  Immediately end the “Remain in Mexico Policy”.

 

8.  Create a more efficient and independent immigration court system, including significant increases in the number of immigration judges for the purpose of eliminating, no later than in one year, the pending one million person caseload.  Increase access to legal assistance for individuals and families presenting for asylum at all points of entry and areas without regard to location along the Southern border

 

10.  Terminate the three and ten-year bars which require individuals to leave the U.S. before applying for legal status.

 

11.  Reinstitute the 100,000 legal immigration quota level on an annual basis. Reduce wait times in the U.S. for individuals and families seeking asylum to no longer that 120 days.

 

12.  All employers will implement mandatory E-verify over a 2-year period.