Ed Perlmutter on Immigration Democrat

Pass comprehensive immigration reform

There is bipartisan support among the American people AND in Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The time is now to move forward to fix the system, create American jobs, lower our deficit, strengthen our borders and give millions of undocumented Americans an earned pathway to citizenship. Ed has pushed for comprehensive immigration reform since his first day in office in 2007 because we must ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute to society and achieve the American Dream.

Allow more visas for STEM college graduates.

• Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make up to 50,000 visas available to qualified immigrants who:
  1. possess a graduate degree at the level of master's or higher in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM degree) from a qualifying U.S. research institution of higher education;
  2. have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree;
  3. are the subject of an approved labor certification; and
  4. will receive a wage for such employment that is at least the actual wage paid by the employer to all other individuals with similar experience and qualifications.
• Makes unused STEM visas available for other employment-based visa categories.
• Makes available on the DHS website information regarding foreign STEM employers, the number of aliens granted STEM status, and their occupations.

Voted to legalize DREAMer immigrants via military service.

Congressional Summary: The House voted on an amendment by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) to H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017. The amendment would prohibit funds from being used to extend the expiration of, or reissue a new expiration date to, the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program.

Recommendation by Heritage Foundation to vote YES:(6/16/2016): The MAVNI program is a pilot program authorizing "military services to recruit certain legal immigrants whose skills are considered to be vital to the national interest." However, a DoD memo has made it clear that DACA/DAPA recipients are eligible under this program, essentially opening up a pathway to amnesty for illegal aliens who enlist. By ensuring that this guidance ends, DOD will no longer be able to enlist illegal immigrants through MAVNI.

Recommendation by the ACLU to vote NO: (6/28/2011): The DREAM Act promotes fundamental fairness for young people by allowing access to affordable post-secondary education and military service opportunities, regardless of immigration status, and would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, have lived here for at least five years and have graduated from high school. The DREAM Act could result in billions of dollars in additional tax revenue from tapping the potential of DREAM-eligible students and future service personnel. Since September 11, 2001, more than 69,000 immigrants have earned citizenship while serving, and more than 125 who entered military service after that date have made the ultimate sacrifice in war by giving their lives for this nation.

Legislative outcome: Failed House 210 to 211 (no Senate vote)

Provide lawyers and evidence for children being deported.

This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to appoint or provide counsel at government expense to aliens in removal proceedings.