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We cannot and should not sweep up millions of men, women, and children – many of whom lived here for many years, contribute to our society, and are integrated into the fabric of American life – and throw them out of the country unjustly. It is categorically unacceptable that so many voices insisted that the large numbers of desperate, vulnerable, and unaccompanied children primarily from Central America who crossed our borders last year should be turned away and sent back to the countries they fled. Sadly, many of these same voices now advocate for the United States to turn our backs on desperate refugees fleeing violence and terrorism in Syria. Now is not the time for us to succumb to racism and bigotry. We cannot allow ourselves to be divided by the anti-immigrant and xenophobic hysteria.
Fair and Humane Immigration
America has always been a haven for the oppressed. We cannot and must not shirk the historic role of the United States as a protector of vulnerable people fleeing persecution.
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Establishing an immigration policy that stops the criminalization of communities of color and keeps families together will be a top priority of my Administration. Our immigration policy will put the sanctity of families at the forefront and will be grounded in civil, human, and labor rights. With bold action that moves our nation towards common sense immigration policies, we can reverse the decline of our middle class, allow the United States to compete economically in the 21st Century and build upon the best parts of our tradition of embracing diversity and harnessing it for the common good.
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Through legislation and executive action, we must implement a humane and secure immigration policy that will:
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Dismantle inhumane deportation programs and detention centers;
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Pave the way for a swift and fair legislative roadmap to citizenship for the eleven million undocumented immigrants;
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Ensure our border remains secure while respecting local communities;
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Regulate the future flow of immigrants by modernizing the visa system and rewriting bad trade agreements;
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Enhance access to justice and reverse the criminalization of immigrants;
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Establish parameters for independent oversight of key U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies.
Support the ACLU effort to cut DHS funding to help slow ICE down.
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Lobby for the Protect American Families Act (S.54)