We must fix our nation’s broken immigration system so it works for families, businesses, and our economy.
Immigration reform is especially important for Washington state. We have a vibrant agricultural industry, world-leading technology, and advanced manufacturing businesses. Workers, families, students, and entrepreneurs are all hurting because our current system is so dysfunctional. Business, labor, farmers, workers, law enforcement, and faith leaders all agree that it is past time for comprehensive immigration reform.
To spur job growth and drive our economy forward, we must pass comprehensive immigration reform. I helped introduce legislation during my first term that would create an earned path to citizenship for those who are here, working, and with no criminal record. It would make our nation safer, while also eliminating backlogs, reuniting families, and would meet the demands of our nation’s economy today and into tomorrow. I will continue to keep fighting for comprehensive immigration reform.
I’ve voted against hyperpartisan bills that write a blank check for ICE without meaningful reforms because the agency under Trump has stoked fear and escalated tensions in our communities. We need legal guardrails to prevent ICE from committing violence and terrorizing our communities.
I was horrified by Renee Good’s and Alex Pretti’s killings. Their tragic deaths are part of an alarming pattern of excessive force being used by ICE officers against American civilians without any regard for accountability.
That is why I am pushing for common-sense reforms that require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to display identification when detaining or arresting individuals, require judicial warrants, ensure investigations into all DHS-related shootings are independent and transparent, require that federal agents are properly trained, and held accountable for their actions and more.
I am also a cosponsor of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, to codify protections for immigrants in sensitive locations such churches, hospitals and schools.
