GUEST COLUMN
Clearing up the usual misinformation on immigration reform
(Rep. Joe Heck)
- A great deal of misinformation has circulated recently about my
position on immigration reform, despite explaining my position at length
for months in interviews, video messages, telephone town halls and
public meetings, not to mention thousands of direct constituent
responses. So let’s clear the air (again) about what I support and what I
am doing to address this critical issue.
I support reforming our
nation’s broken immigration system. We face serious issues that demand
real solutions, and I want to help enact meaningful legislative
solutions in several key areas. This statement of principle is broad,
and it means different things to different people, so let me be
specific.
First, we must improve border enforcement. Securing our
northern and southern borders and all ports of entry into the country
is vital, as is eliminating visa overstays — approximately 40 percent of
undocumented immigrants enter legally on visas.
Second, we
should eliminate incentives for individuals who come here without
following legal pathways. The most obvious incentive is the chance to
find employment, and so a modern e-verify system will ensure businesses
hire only those legally allowed to hold a job
Third, we need a modern, efficient, sustainable guest worker program adaptable to changing economic demands.
Despite
House committees moving legislation to accomplish several of these
goals, these bills have not come before the full House for a vote. This
is extremely frustrating, a sentiment I have expressed publicly and
privately to my party leadership.
Contrary to many statements, I
did not vote to deport “Dreamers.” I voted to defund implementation of a
presidential executive order called Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals. That order, issued just months before the 2012 election in a
transparent attempt to score political points, did not merely prevent
deportation for young undocumented individuals. Rather, it started a new
federal program, unilaterally changing federal policy, by issuing work
authorization to those covered by the order. This action, a pattern for
this administration, clearly usurps Congress’ legislative authority and
was a transparent political attempt to gain favor with a key voting
bloc.
I have publicly stated repeatedly that young people brought
here in an undocumented status need a chance to make a life for
themselves in the only country they have ever known. I know many facing
this situation want to be right with the law — I have met them, heard
their stories, prayed with them, asked their opinions. But the
appropriate method is through a transparent and public legislative
process via the elected representatives of the American people, not
executive fiat. My vote reflected that belief. In addition, I have
drafted a bill to address this issue that is gathering support from
interested parties at both the local and national level.
Although
the House has not yet addressed the complicated issue of earned
legalization, I have publicly called for it to do so, notably in my
remarks at the widely attended August SXSW conference in Las Vegas. Any
legalization process must be tough but fair, and not penalize those
immigrants already in line. The Senate bill lays out one possible
solution to the problem which is reasonable — and, again, I have said so
publicly. But the Senate bill has other problems. So there may be other
ways to reach this goal, and I’m open to those proposals in the House.
Finally,
let me address the comprehensive bill versus a step-by-step approach.
People deserve a deliberative, open, transparent process that addresses
key policy areas separately. Some have proposed we should pass any bill,
even if it is one that has flaws. Those advocating this irresponsible
“all or nothing” approach are entirely politically motivated. I cannot
support a flawed bill. Flawed bills have significant unintended
consequences. Twenty-five thousand Nevadans who lost their health
insurance are dealing with the unintended consequences of a reckless
“all or nothing” approach on health care.
I truly believe
Republicans and Democrats must come together to address these important
issues and put aside petty partisan politics. This is about people,
people I have met and know, and people with whom I have shared my own
family’s immigration story. If we can put aside the constant desire to
inflict political pain or gain advantage, we can get this done. That is
my hope and will remain my focus.
(Joe
Heck, a Republican, is the U.S. representative for Nevada’s 3rd
Congressional District. This column originally was published in the Las
Vegas Review-Journal on December 8, 2013)
Did someone forward you this copy of Muth's Truths?
Get your own FREE subscription...
|
No comments:
Post a Comment