Immigration Policy

Immigration has always been central to America’s identity as a land of opportunity, but it must be managed in a way that respects both our values and our laws. I believe we can honor our history as a nation built by immigrants while ensuring that our immigration system is fair, secure, and effective. My approach reflects the balanced philosophy that we are a nation of immigrants, but also a nation of laws.

Securing our borders is essential for national security and maintaining public trust in the immigration system, but it must be done in a way that is both effective and humane. I oppose wasting taxpayer money on an ineffective border wall that does little to address the real challenges we face. Instead, I support using advanced technology such as drones, sensors, surveillance systems, and modernized ports of entry to secure our borders. These tools are not only more cost-effective but also better equipped to prevent illegal crossings while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. Border security should focus on smart solutions that protect our country without dehumanizing those seeking refuge or opportunity.

At the same time, we need comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the millions of undocumented immigrants already living in the United States. Many of these individuals have lived here for years, contributing to their communities through hard work, paying taxes, and raising families. I believe in creating a fair and earned pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria. This process should include background checks to ensure public safety, requirements like learning English proficiency, and paying back taxes where applicable. It’s about accountability and fairness—providing an opportunity for those who want to contribute fully to society while respecting the rule of law.

Dreamers—young people brought to this country as children—deserve special attention. They know no other home but America, and they’ve grown up as part of our communities. I fully support legislation like the DREAM Act to provide permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other Dreamers so they can continue building their lives here without fear of deportation.

We also need to reform our legal immigration system so it works better for families, businesses, and the economy as a whole. Family reunification has long been a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy, but backlogs in the visa system leave families separated for years or even decades. I will fight to reduce these backlogs by increasing resources for processing applications more efficiently. At the same time, we need to expand work visa programs to meet labor market demands in industries like agriculture, healthcare, and technology—sectors that rely heavily on immigrant workers. However, these programs must be carefully designed to protect American workers’ wages and prevent exploitation of immigrant labor.

Employers who knowingly exploit undocumented workers or violate labor laws must be held accountable. Too often, unscrupulous employers take advantage of vulnerable workers while undercutting wages for everyone else. I support strict penalties for employers who break the law while also expanding workplace protections for all workers—regardless of their immigration status—to ensure fair treatment and prevent abuse.

Public safety is also an important part of any balanced immigration policy. Those who commit serious crimes or pose a threat to public safety should face deportation as part of enforcing our laws. However, we must ensure that due process protections are upheld so individuals are not unfairly targeted or punished for minor infractions or circumstances beyond their control. Immigration enforcement should focus on real threats—not on tearing apart families or targeting people who are simply trying to build better lives.

Ultimately, immigration reform is about balance: securing our borders while treating people with dignity; enforcing our laws while providing opportunities for those who contribute; and modernizing our system so it reflects America’s values and meets 21st-century challenges. This is how we can honor our history as a nation of immigrants while upholding the rule of law—and it’s how we can build an immigration system that works for everyone.