No Labels Applauds House Problem Solvers Caucus for Bipartisan Immigration Proposal
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- No Labels announced its support for a bipartisan immigration proposal released by the House Problem Solvers Caucus Monday that would enhance security both for U.S. borders and for the undocumented immigrants known as "Dreamers," who were brought to America as children. The Problem Solvers also called for their proposal to be passed as part of a long-term budget deal that provides long-term certainty for domestic and military spending.
"The House Problem Solvers Caucus has provided significant leadership with this proposal and adds to bipartisan momentum that has been growing in the Senate," said Former Senator Joe Lieberman, the co-chairman of No Labels. "We need a bipartisan deal on Dreamers and border security to move forward in this country. The Problem Solvers have cleared a path that both Democrats and Republicans should be able to travel."
The Caucus proposal comes as Congress continues to debate immigration policy in connection with the budget, which must be addressed by Feb. 8, and as President Donald Trump prepares to deliver the annual State of the Union Address this week.
The proposal provides a 12-year path to citizenship for Dreamers who abide the law, pay taxes and who entered the U.S. by June 15 of 2012. Dreamers would not be able to sponsor their parents for citizenship, but these parents could obtain a three-year, renewable legal status that would allow them to work but would not provide a pathway to citizenship.
The proposal would appropriate almost $1.6 billion for barrier infrastructure planning, design and construction, subject to environmental reporting and other review. It would also allocate more than $1.1 billion for non-barrier infrastructure, such as surveillance technology, assets and equipment, and retention and relocation for border agents.
The proposal would eliminate the diversity visa lottery, reallocating half the visas to immigrants from priority countries that are underrepresented and using merit-based preference. The other half would be allocated to those with Temporary Protected Status, which allows immigrants from countries torn by war or natural disasters to seek temporary refuge in the United States.
"This has all the components of something that Congress can pass," said Ryan Clancy, chief strategist at No Labels. "It addresses both Dreamers and border security, the two primary needs for a bipartisan deal. We hope that other members of the House and Senate will get onboard."
No Labels is a political reform organization featuring Democrats, Republicans and independents working to bring America's leaders together to solve our nation's toughest problems. No Labels has inspired the creation of the Problem Solvers Caucus?featuring 48 House Democrats and Republicans?committed to working constructively across the aisle to get things done.
SOURCE No Labels
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