WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 29, 2018 – (HISPANICIZE WIRE) – The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) strongly supports a legislative path to permanent legal status in the United States for the “Dreamers” (including DACA beneficiaries) – individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children by decision of their parents.
CHLI reaffirms its position from September 12, 2013, that an earned legalization process is the most reasonable way to address undocumented persons currently in the United States. CHLI supports a path to legalization for the millions of undocumented immigrants who are forced to live in the shadows of our society.
CHLI also supports Congressional action on other important aspects of our immigration system, such as reforming the selection criteria for the visa system. For example, CHLI believes all efforts should be made to expedite the transition to permanent legal status of qualified foreign undergraduate and graduate students studying in the United States who seek such status. We believe an expanded H-1B, L-1, and EB visa program for professionals and highly skilled workers, and H-2B temporary visas that support seasonal industries and small businesses are critical to our national economy. CHLI further believes that improving the efficiency of the agricultural worker visa program (H-2A) will allow the U.S. to maintain a reliable agricultural workforce.
CHLI also supports efforts to improve and modernize U.S. border security. CHLI believes that delays, backlogs, and disruptions in the immigration and border management systems that impede the movement of people and legitimate cargo across U.S. borders must be addressed, and enforcement targeting human trafficking, drug smuggling, terrorism and counterfeit goods across U.S. borders is key to maintaining U.S. security and prosperity.
About CHLI:
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is the premier organization founded by Members of Congress and corporate leaders to advance the Hispanic community’s economic progress with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness. Founded in 2003, CHLI is a 501(c)3 non-profit and non-partisan organization. CHLI is dedicated to fostering a broad awareness of the diversity of thought, heritage, interests, and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent.