Legal Immigration: A Modern Approach Rooted in Our Founding Values

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore."

When did these words stop meaning anything to us?

In the 21st century, our nation faces an aging workforce and a growing need for skilled workers across all sectors. We must continue to welcome those seeking a better life, but we must also implement effective policies to ensure that immigration is organized, secure, and humane. Proper screening processes and manageable controls will help ensure that those who come here can contribute to and thrive within our society.

In fiscal year 2023, the southern border experienced a record 2.47 million migrant encounters, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. Our outdated immigration laws, last overhauled in the 1990s, no longer align with the realities and demands of the modern world.

Immigration reform is not just the responsibility of the White House—Congress holds the power to modernize our immigration system. The laws passed by Congress dictate the policies implemented by the executive branch, making it crucial for legislators to rise to the challenge and enact meaningful reform.

Modernize Immigration Laws to Attract Talent:

Update visa programs to attract skilled workers in industries facing labor shortages, including healthcare, construction, and technology.

Expand pathways for seasonal and agricultural workers to fill essential roles while ensuring they receive fair wages and protections.

Improve the Asylum Process:

While seeking asylum is a right protected by international law, relying solely on this process for entry has strained the system and led to prolonged wait times—often months or even years.

Streamline the asylum process by increasing staffing and resources for immigration courts and reducing bureaucratic delays to provide timely and fair decisions for asylum seekers.

Support Orderly Migration:

Implement enhanced screening processes to ensure national security while maintaining a humane and organized approach to immigration.

Invest in infrastructure at border points to support faster, safer processing of individuals and families seeking entry.

Immigrants fuel our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our communities. By modernizing our immigration system, we can attract skilled individuals from across the world and ensure that America remains a global leader in innovation and progress.

We cannot afford to let outdated policies and political gridlock stand in the way of building a more inclusive and prosperous future.

The time for action is now. Congress must work collaboratively to pass immigration reforms that uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and security. By doing so, we can create an immigration system that is humane, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century. Comprehensive reform will not only restore trust in our immigration policies but also reaffirm our nation’s founding values of hope, opportunity, and freedom for all.