John Fetterman on Immigration

Wife's family came to Americas as illegal immigrants

Like so many before her, she came to this country with her family from Brazil in search of a better life -- fleeing a violent and unstable situation.

Her family overstayed their visa, and for years, she lived in the shadows undocumented while her mother cleaned houses for twelve hours a day. And while Gisele would eventually obtain her green card, it shouldn't have been that hard.

I would not have the beautiful family I have today if Gisele's family was not brave enough to take a risk and come to America. Chances are, you wouldn't have the family you have today either if it weren't for immigration because, at one point in time, most of us came from a boat somewhere.

If illegals lead an exemplary life, create a path

• Creating a pathway to citizenship for everyone that has been in this country that is leading productive lives. If you are leading an exemplary life, there needs to be a path for you. This process can be supported with the safety of background checks.
• The DREAM Act: Why do we stop people that want to go to college and contribute to society? Everyone in this country deserves the opportunity to receive higher education and pursue their dreams.
• Remedying our country's inhumane deportation practices. I can't imagine how taxing it must be to live in fear every day that your family will be torn apart. We need to zero in on the bad by further scrutinizing who exactly we are targeting when it comes to criminals that do not belong in this country.