Bonamici Statement on Anti-Immigrant House Message to Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC [03/17/16] – Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a resolution taking the disappointing step of authorizing the House majority to prepare an amicus brief—a legal argument submitted to the Supreme Court—in a case challenging President Obama’s executive actions on immigration:

“Instead of taking action to fix our broken immigration system, today the House took a step backward. President Obama worked within his legal and constitutional authority to provide a way for immigrant families to stay together and to keep children with their parents. I joined with more than 200 of my colleagues and signed an amicus brief in support of immigrant families and the President’s action. It is unacceptable for the House majority to prepare an amicus brief—speaking for me—that sends a contrary opinion to the Supreme Court.

“If Speaker Ryan is serious about fixing the immigration system, Congress should immediately consider comprehensive reform. We are a nation of immigrants. Instead of ripping families apart, we need programs that will bring millions of aspiring Americans out of the shadows and into a legal process. Immigrants and their families contribute to our country’s economic success. Business owners need reform to eliminate uncertainty surrounding their workforce. Technology companies want an updated visa process to keep skilled workers in the United States. We should not spend our time and taxpayer dollars filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court that misrepresents the views of half of the House members. Let’s work together to build bridges and find a solution to address this important issue.”