WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) have announced an immigration reform bill that reportedly would boost border security, update asylum, create a way forward for Dreamers and immigrants who lack authorization, and update employment-based immigration, among other provisions.
Additional co-sponsors include Reps. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Oregon), Kathy Manning (D-North Carolina) and Hillary Scholten (D-Michigan), according to reports.
The announcement comes a day after the release of new polling in which 82% of registered voters, including 80% of Republicans, said they agree that “[a]s the U.S. works to restore order at the border, it is important that Republicans and Democrats work together to pass immigration reforms that address labor shortages and inflation, and protect people already here and contributing.”
“It’s encouraging to see Republicans and Democrats working together on immigration reforms, especially given recent partisanship. Americans across political lines want these kinds of solutions,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “Congresswomen Salazar and Escobar are right to seek middle ground.
“This appears to be a worthy effort to address the border, workforce issues, Dreamers, and undocumented immigrants. While some provisions may have room for improvement, this is a very productive step.”