Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) recently responded to a Minuteman Project reader who sent him a direct email through our take action center. Read his response below:
Dear [redacted],
Thank you for contacting me regarding our nation’s immigration system.
I have heard from thousands of Virginians and met with hundreds of groups and individuals on the state of our immigration system and the vital need for reforms that meet our security and economic needs. A piecemeal approach will not be sufficient. A comprehensive review of our nation’s immigration laws is necessary.
In June 2013, I voted for the Senate’s strongly bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform package (S. 744), which passed on a 68-32 vote. I was proud to support this bill, which would strengthen our nation’s borders to curb future illegal immigration, reform our visa program, and find a practical solution for the millions of illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States. However, the House of Representatives has refused to bring up the bipartisan reform package or propose an alternative solution.
On November 20, 2014, the Obama Administration announced a number of executive actions that address border security, the current unlawfully present population, and future legal immigration. While I understand President Obama’s decision to take executive action, I do not believe that it represents a permanent solution. Only legislative action can provide the security and predictability that our communities and our country deserve.
I hope the House of Representatives will consider immigration reform and then work collaboratively with the Senate to resolve the differences. To do this, we will have to set aside partisan differences and have honest discussions on what works and what does not. This won’t be an easy process, but comprehensive immigration reform is vital to our nation’s security and economic success.
Again, thank you for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my newsletter please visit my website at http://www.warner.senate.gov
Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator
