GOP senators introduce version of White House immigration framework

GOP senators introduce version of White House immigration framework

Feburary 11, 2018


Washington (CNN)A group of Republican senators on Sunday night released a version of President Donald Trump's immigration proposal ahead of a floor debate on immigration this week.

The proposal is expected to be one of several amendments the Senate will consider this week as it debates immigration. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has used a bill unrelated to immigration as the starting point for the debate, which will allow senators to offer proposals that can compete for 60 votes to advance.

The bill from Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn, James Lankford, Thom Tillis, David Perdue, Tom Cotton and Joni Ernst largely resembles what Trump has proposed.

At its base is still a resolution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has protected young undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation. Trump has decided to terminate the Obama-era program.



The White House proposal offered a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million eligible immigrants, more than the 800,000 of whom registered for DACA in the five years of the program. In exchange, the White House sought upwards of $25 billion for border security and a wall, a number of changes to laws to make it easier to deport and detain immigrants, a substantial cut to legal immigration based on family relationships and an end to the diversity visa lottery.


The Grassley bill essentially makes those bullet points a reality, including the proposals that would toughen immigration enforcement and limiting family-based visas only to spouses and children under 18 years old -- a vastly reduced number of eligible immigrants from the current system.


As proposed by the White House, the cuts to the family system and diversity lottery would be used to allow in the 4 million to 5 million immigrants already waiting years -- and in some cases decades -- in the backlog for visas. Cuts to yearly visas would only occur after that backlog is cleared, allowing Congress time to make reforms, the lawmakers said.



The bill is not expected to have 60 votes in support of it, the threshold required to advance legislation in the Senate. Democrats have uniformly objected to the cuts to family migration and have issues with the ending of the diversity visa without another way to support immigrants from countries that are otherwise underrepresented in immigration to the US. The so-called reforms to current immigration laws also face steep opposition.




https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/11/polit...ork/index.html

GOP senators to introduce bill providing path to citizenship for 1.8 million DACA-eligible immigrants, $25 billion for border security


http://cdn.washingtonexaminer.biz/ca...cee4fbae1f.jpgIn this Dec. 6, 2017, file photo, demonstrators hold up balloons during an immigration rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), programs, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

February 11, 2018

Kyle Feldscher

A group of Republican senators will introduce legislation Monday would put about 1.8 million illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children by their parents on a path toward citizenship while spending $25 billion on border security.


Sens. Chuck Grassley, James Lankford, Joni Ernst, Tom Cotton, John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, and David Perdue are co-sponsoring the Secure and Succeed Act. The legislation follows a framework laid out by the White House for a deal on the people covered by, and eligible for, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.


“This legislation is a reasonable approach to shielding children illegally brought to our country through no fault of their own while also taking the meaningful steps to ensure nobody finds themselves in the same situation in the future,” Grassley said in a statement. “This is a rare opportunity to fix a real problem and protect the country in a thoughtful and compassionate way.”


The bill limits chain migration, called family-based immigration by Democrats, to just the nuclear family. Reforms to the chain migration process has become a major tipping point in the debate over immigration reform.


The legislation also closes loopholes the senators say allow criminals to enter the country illegally. It would also “reallocate” the diversity immigration lottery, which would reduce the backlog of people awaiting visas based on chain migration and employer-backed visas.


“President Trump has been very clear on what he will sign into law, and this is it. This is a great deal and the only solution that fully addresses the four pillars in the President’s framework,” Perdue said.


“Now it is up to Republicans and Democrats in both chambers. If people really want to solve the DACA situation, secure our border, and fix the flaws in our current system that incentivize illegal immigration, they should be eager to support this plan.”


In addition, the bill allows for the hiring of more border patrol agents and physical and virtual barriers on the border.


“This is the only bill that has a chance of becoming law, and that’s because it’s the only bill that will truly solve the underlying problem," Cotton said.



http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/go...rticle/2648793

Thom Tillis' Succeed Act Amnesty bill

https://www.tillis.senate.gov/public...-two-pager.pdf

This is crap. DO NOTHING. STOP!! You all are embarrassing yourselves with weenyism.

SUCCEED ACT

The SUCCEED Act: Merit-Based Legislation To Address The Legal Uncertainty of Undocumented Children

U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Solution for Undocumented Children through Careers Employment Education and Defending our nation (SUCCEED) Act, a solution to address the legal uncertainty facing undocumented children and young undocumented adults who were brought to the United States as children.

The SUCCEED Act provides a fair but rigorous track for undocumented children to qualify for conditional permanent resident (CPR) status, requiring them to follow one or a combination of three specific pathways to earn and maintain their status once they become adults: being gainfully employed, pursuing postsecondary or vocational education, or serving in the U.S. military.

Click HERE for a summary of the bill.
On Monday, the Senators held a press conference to introduce the SUCCEED Act.

https://www.tillis.senate.gov/public...A-606D79C4CE00



Watch the video HERE.

Download the video HERE.

Download the audio HERE.

What They Are Saying

The SUCCEED Act is earning bipartisan praise for its reasonable and realistic approach, and is also drawing support from the nation’s business community.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the introduction of the SUCCEED Act by Senators Tillis, Lankford, and Hatch. The SUCCEED Act helps chart a path forward in making permanent the types of protections contained in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.”

IBM:
"We applaud @SenThomTillis, @SenatorLankford, @senorrinhatch for efforts to provide certainty for #Dreamers. #DACA"

Former Democratic Governor and presidential candidate Howard Dean:
“Sens. Lankford and Tillis have a Dreamer bill that is a good step. We need to find common ground with GOP on this. 780000 people depend on us.”

Hispanic Leadership Fund President Mario H. Lopez:
“The Hispanic Leadership Fund applauds Republican Senators Tillis, Lankford, and Hatch for introducing the SUCCEED Act. This bill is a great step toward a reasonable and constructive conservative solution to the Dreamer issue. We urge all Members of Congress to recognize that punishing kids for their parent’s actions is both misguided and counterproductive to improving the American economy as a whole, especially when those kids have been vetted and are productive members of society.”

New American Economy President John Feinblatt:
“This is a pragmatic approach that gets Congress closer to yes on immigration reform. Talented, hard-working young immigrants brought to our country as children have earned the chance to pursue the American Dream, and it makes economic sense to invest in their futures.”

Niskanen Center President Jerry Taylor:
“I applaud Senators Tillis and Lankford for demonstrating bold leadership and dedication in identifying constructive, conservative solutions to our nation’s most difficult problems. This permanent, legislative, Republican-led initiative protects Dreamers who work, study, or serve in the military. Republicans should embrace this historic opportunity to pass meaningful immigration reform.”

TechNet President & CEO Linda Moore:
“The clock is running on Dreamers, and March 5 will be here before we know it. We appreciate the sense of urgency Senators Tillis, Lankford, and Hatch are demonstrating on this issue and for putting forward a serious proposal for Congress to consider. Deporting 800,000 Dreamers would hurt our economy, and unrightfully punish children for the actions of their parents. Neither is good for America. It's time for Congress to act and make sure politics doesn't get in the way of providing relief for these young people.”

National Immigration Forum Executive Director Ali Noorani:
“Senators Tillis, Lankford and Hatch have offered a constructive, conservative solution to protect Dreamers from deportation, get them on the path to full integration into American society and help American workers. We look forward to working with the senators. Republicans and Democrats must find a legislative solution that ensures young people contributing to America can remain in the only country they know as home.”

FWD.us:
“We’re encouraged to see Senator Tillis, Senator Lankford, and Senator Hatch join President Trump and the 75% of Republicans who want Congress to pass legislation to allow Dreamers to stay permanently in the only country they know as home. No legislation is perfect, but it is critical that any bill that makes its way to the President’s desk ensures due process protections for these hardworking young people, and includes a reasonable pathway to citizenship. We need to be clear that talk and assurances mean nothing without a law signed into place, and we urge every single member of Congress to cosponsor bipartisan legislation to protect Dreamers without delay.”

LIBRE Initiative:
“A number of conservative lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced legislative proposals to address this challenge. We are grateful for their leadership on this important issue. We believe that this proposal should be considered among those worthwhile reforms that have been set forward, and that Congress should seize the opportunity to debate and adopt a solution to the unilateral executive action imposed by President Obama, without regard to Congress.”


Fox News: Republican senators offer conservative alternative to DREAM Act
The senators call the bill a compassionate, merit-based solution to help those protected by the Obama-era DACA program.

Among the requirements for program beneficiaries is that they either maintain a job, serve in the military or earn a post-secondary or vocational degree to keep their legal status as adults.

“The SUCCEED Act isn’t a free pass,” the lawmakers said in a statement before officially announcing the bill.

They also say the bill will include extensive background checks that look for gang activity, claiming the bill will deter future illegal immigration.


CBS News: Republicans propose new DACA bill
While Tillis critiqued the DREAM Act, which was re-introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin, for not being conservative enough, and for the fact that it has "failed every single time," he told reporters on Monday that he was open to including Democrats in the immigration bill conversations.

"We are willing to talk with anyone providing certainty to these children, let politics get checked at the door, let's provide something on a bipartisan basis to these children and young adults in this country," said Tillis.

He added, noting his confidence in the bill's future, that "on the whole, we have a bigger base to draw on in the Senate and a bigger base that's important to draw on in the House to get this to the president's desk."


AP: Fight over young immigrants ensnares aviation bill
Meanwhile, three GOP senators unveiled their own proposed solution to helping young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children. Their bill would offer those who came into the country below the age of 16 a pathway to remaining permanently. For two consecutive five-year stints, they would have to meet various requirements, namely maintain a job, earn a degree or serve in the military, pay their taxes and follow the law. After that decade-long period, they could apply for a green card.

“This act is about the children. It’s completely merit based,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “If you work hard, if you follow the law, and you pay your taxes, you can stay here permanently,”

The bill’s co-sponsors said they didn’t envision their bill as a stand-alone measure. It would have to be combined with other efforts to secure the border. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, an original supporter of the DREAM Act legislation being pursued by Democrats, said he was joining with Tillis and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., because their bill had the best shot at passing.


The Hill: GOP senators introduce DREAM Act alternative
"This act is about the children. It's completely merit based," Tillis said. "It ensures fairness. There's no skipping in line."

Republican senators said people eligible for their legislation would largely track with those currently covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which the Trump administration is phasing out.

The legislation lays out a series of years-long hurdles that people would need to complete to remain in the country.

To initially be eligible under the legislation, an individual would have to obtain a high school diploma, undergo a background check, submit data to the Department of Homeland Security and pay any back taxes.

That would allow a person to apply for "conditional permanent residence," which would need to be renewed after five years. During that time they would need to be continuously employed, earn a college degree or serve in the military for at least three years.

After maintaining the conditional status for 10 years and demonstrating they "are a productive, law-abiding member of society," people in the program could apply for green cards. After five additional years, they would be able to apply for citizenship.

"This bill I believe is a fair and orderly method to providing a ... solution for the DACA children," Tillis said.


Politico: GOP senators unveil new ‘Dreamers’ bill
The new Dreamer blueprint is already hitting resistance from liberal immigration advocates and conservative hard-liners, though Lankford said President Donald Trump indicated during a phone conversation with him that he was “very supportive” of the concept behind the bill.

“We’ll have to take the hits,” Tillis said at a news conference Monday promoting the bill. “We’ll take the hits on the far left for saying you’re not getting them to citizenship soon enough, and you’ll take it on the far right for saying you’ve ever given them an opportunity to pursue citizenship.”

Tillis and Lankford hope their legislation, called the Succeed Act, can win support from conservatives as Congress scrambles for a fix following the White House’s decision to begin revoking work permits and deportation protections early next year for hundreds of thousands of Dreamers.


Bloomberg Government : Republican Senators Offer New Bill to Legalize ‘Dreamers’
The SUCCEED Act is a “fair and orderly method for providing a permanent solution for the DACA children,” Tillis said. “More than a million people could be eligible under this program.”

But that only counts the so-called “dreamers” themselves: once they obtain green cards at the end of 10 years, they won't be able to petition for their parents to also gain legal status, Tillis said.


Business Insider: Republicans' new immigration bill could derail Democrats' attempt to bring up the DREAM Act
While the bill is absent any additional border-security provisions like the White House has demanded, Tillis said it is not "standalone" legislation and would likely be paired with border security.

The bill also includes a pathway to naturalization more than 15 years after it would come into effect and all the criteria is followed. Tillis shrugged off the notion their pathway to citizenship qualified as amnesty.

"This is a path that admittedly at some point allows someone to go through the naturalization process," Tillis said. "But we think that it's a balanced resolution to a vexing problem that hasn't been solved for 30 years and we'll have to take the hits. We'll take the hits on the far left saying 'you're not getting them to citizenship soon enough' and you'll take it on the far right for saying you're ever giving them an opportunity to pursue citizenship after they've done all that's required of them to continue to have the protected status that's in this bill."

...But one of Tillis' major focuses on crafting the bill was ensuring it could someday make it to the president's desk for a signature, noting that the DREAM Act has been stuck in Congress for a decade.

"The DREAM Act... has failed every single time," Tillis said. "So why are people drawing hard lines around something that doesn't look like it has the votes to get out of the Senate and if it did, probably not out of the House?"




https://www.tillis.senate.gov/public...fm/succeed-act

No, we do not want the SUCCEED ACT. We want the RAISE ACT. Period.

Secure and Succeed Act of 2018 Strengthens Border and Entry Security Border Security Trust Fund

$25 billion in border trust fund for the completion of a 10-year border security plan, including tactical infrastructure, detection technology, personnel, and port of entry improvement. Includes additional resources and security improvements for the Northern Border.
Additional Border Security Measures

• Requires DHS to achieve and maintain situational awareness (100% surveillance) and operation
  control (ability to interdict illegal traffic) of the Southern Border. Applies to current and future
  administrations.
• National Guard/Operation Phalanx/ SCAAP/Operation Stone Garden
• Additional CBP/ICE Agents/Officers and Other Law Enforcement Personnel
  Border Security Authorities

• Ends Catch and Release.
• Increases penalties for human smuggling/makes it easier to remove smugglers.
• Enacts Kate’s Law to increase penalties for multiple illegal entries/unlawful border crossings.
• Provisions to stop fentanyl smuggling.
• Addresses the unaccompanied alien children humanitarian crisis by giving DHS and immigration
  courts the authority and resources to conduct expedited immigration court hearings for these children.
• Updates inadmissibility/removability grounds for drug traffickers, gang members, sex offenders,
  multiple DUI offenders, human traffickers, terrorists, and violent and dangerous felons.
• Deters Visa overstay with expedited removal, subject to 30 day grace period.
• Ends the release of thousands of dangerous criminal aliens every year (Zadvydas Fix).
• Permanently authorizes voluntary E-verify program.
  Reallocates Diversity Visa Lottery
  Reallocates the 55,000 visas in the Diversity Visa Lottery to reducing and eliminating the existing family- based and employment-based immigration backlogs
  Provides Permanent Solution for DACA recipients
  Estimated 1.8 million people. Earned path to citizenship.

• 12 years. 2 years credit for currently enrolled DACA recipients.
  Criteria:
• Obtained a high school diploma or equivalent (if over 18 years of age.)
• Arrived in the U.S. before 16, prior to June 15, 2012. Was under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012. Same
  standards used by the Obama Administration for DACA.
• Passes strict criminal background and good moral character checks.
• Signs a conditional departure order that may be enforced if they violate certain terms of their status.
• If 18 or older, pursue one or a combination of three tracks: (1) Serve in the Military; (2) Pursue a
  postsecondary or vocational degree; or (3) Maintain full time gainful employment.
• Conditional status revoked for criminal behavior or failure to meet eligibility criteria.
  
  1. Reforms Extended-family Chain Migration
  
  
  
  •Reforms family-based immigration to place a greater emphasis on the nuclear family, limiting family-based immigrant visas to spouses and unmarried children under 18 years old.
  •Grandfathers all immigrants who are waiting in line for a pending family-based petition.
  •Allows parents of U.S. Citizens (approximately 150,000 per year) to receive non-immigrant visas to enter the United States for a renewable 5-year period. Visas do not provide a work authorization.
  •Family-based immigration reforms for other classes (siblings, adult children) would not take effect until clearance of existing backlogs— giving Congress years to enact merit-based reforms.
  
  
  
  

https://youtu.be/xlP9sz0uM6k

https://youtu.be/xlP9sz0uM6k

No, we do not want the SUCCEED ACT, we want the RAISE ACT.