NDN Praises Gang of Eight Border/Immigration Bill

Today, NDN's Simon Rosenberg and Kristian Ramos released the following statements on the Senat4e "Gang of Eight" Border/Immigration Bill:

Simon Rosenberg, President of NDN:

“The Senate Gang of Eight border and immigration bill is a serious, thoughtful effort to make our border safer, our immigration system better while also expanding legal trade and travel through our nation’s ports of entry. 

The Eight Senators should be congratulated for their ambition, and courage.  In a time when rancorous politics have dampened legislative ambition in Washington, this bill reminds us that our leaders can come together, across party lines, to offer big, comprehensive solutions to tough modern-day challenges. 

The seriousness of the Senate Bill gives us here at NDN a great deal of optimism that a good and smart border/immigration bill can be passed by Congress this year.”

Kristian Ramos, Policy Director, 21st Century Border Initiative:

“While there is much to recommend in the Senate bill, two parts in particular should be highlighted:

First, at the heart of the bill is a broad legalization process for ten million plus people living and working in the United States today. If the bill passes this summer, we could see the legalization process begin as early as next spring, with millions passing through the process by the summer of 2015.  It cannot be overstated the impact the this initial legalization process will have on the lives of these undocumented immigrants and their families; and on resolving a debate that has brought harm to the broad Hispanic community as a whole.  That this process is so comprehensive is a major bi-partisan achievement, and one which makes America a better place for all of us. 

Second, while there is a significant emphasis on border security in the bill, the bill also makes smart investments in modernizing our ports of entry.  By funding 3,500 more customs agents in the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection department, the bill not only makes our border safer but will facilitate more trade, travel and tourism which will bring significant benefit to our economy and entire country.

The Senate Gang of Eight border/immigration bill is a great starting place for this important debate.”

If you have any questions about NDN's recent research or publications on the southwest border and immigration, please contact Chris Bowman at either 202-842-7217 or cbowman@ndn.org.