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Eric Swalwell on Immigration
Withdrawn Democratic Presidential Challenger; CA Rep
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Families always belong together; don't cage children
Q: If someone is here without documents, and that is their only offense, is that person to be deported?Swalwell: No. That person can contribute. This president, for immigrants, there's nothing he will not do to separate a family, cage a child,
or erase their existence by weaponizing the census. There is nothing I will not do as president to reverse that and to make sure that families always belong together.
Source: June Democratic Primary debate (second night in Miami)
, Jun 27, 2019
Visit Northern Triangle to gain compassion for those fleeing
Swalwell has been critical of the president's immigration policies, recently tweeting that he'd like Trump to show more "compassion" by visiting the Central American countries many migrants are fleeing from to witness the violent conditions there.
The congressman supported the bipartisan immigration reform bill that passed the Senate in 2013 (the bill died in the House), as well as legislation to protect so-called "DREAMers," immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as minors.
Source: PBS News Hour on 2020 Democratic primary
, Apr 10, 2019
Support DREAM Act; but deport convicted criminals
As a prosecutor, it frustrates me that individuals who I have prosecuted that have committed serious and violent crimes--and are here without documentation--are released back into our communities after serving his or her sentence.
I support removing violent, convicted criminals who are in our country without documentation. For the vast majority of undocumented individuals who work and contribute to our economy, I support a pathway to legal citizenship.
I also support the Dream Act and believe it is in our economic interests
(and the right thing to do) to allow children of undocumented individuals who have attended school in the US to have access, not preference, to higher education.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, swalwellforcongress.com
, Nov 6, 2012
Voted to legalize DREAMer immigrants via military service.
Swalwell voted NAY Gosar Anti-DACA Amendment to H.R. 5293
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)
Source: Supreme Court case 16-H5293 argued on Jun 16, 2016
Provide lawyers and evidence for children being deported.
Swalwell co-sponsored H.R.4646/S.2540
This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to appoint or provide counsel at government expense to aliens in removal proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall provide an alien in removal proceedings with all relevant documents in its possession, unless the alien has knowingly waived the right to such documents. DOJ may appoint or provide counsel to aliens in any INA proceeding.DHS shall ensure that aliens have access to counsel inside all immigration detention and border facilities.DOJ shall appoint counsel, at government expense if necessary, for an unaccompanied alien child or a particularly vulnerable individual.DHS shall establish a pilot program to increase the court appearance rates of unaccompanied alien children and particularly vulnerable individuals by contracting with nongovernmental, community-based organizations to provide such aliens with case management services.
Source: Fair Day in Court for Kids Act 16-HR4646 on Feb 26, 2016
Page last updated: Dec 16, 2019