Congressman Vargas Delivers Two Speeches to Highlight the Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Washington, DC (April 12, 2013) –This week, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) delivered two profound speeches on the House floor highlighting the importance of fair and humane immigration reform.
“It is imperative that we enact immigration reform that is comprehensive, fair and reflects the highest values of our nation,” stated Rep. Vargas. “We are a nation of immigrants and how we treat those who aspire to be citizens reflects our democracy’s capacity to deal with one of the most pressing moral issues of our time.”
The bipartisan Senate group, dubbed the “Gang of Eight”, has been working on drafting a comprehensive immigration reform bill that is slated to be introduced next week. The legislation is expected to include a path to citizenship, streamline the current immigration system, reduce the hiring of undocumented workers, and create a viable guest worker program. A bipartisan U.S. House of Representatives group is also negotiating its own immigration proposal.
“I support smart and reasonable enforcement measures that address the real threats at our borders and promote the legitimate movement of people and goods at our ports of entry,” said Congressman Vargas. “I am committed to ensuring that our borders remain secure and I am hopeful that the bipartisan legislation coming from the Senate will be a positive step toward achieving humane immigration reform.”
Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2012. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.