“People who work hard, pay taxes, and follow the rules should have the chance to become citizens.”  George W. Bush

Fueling Fears — Scapegoating Immigrants

“ICE continues to make America safe by arresting… pedophiles, killers, and violent assailants.” – Department of Homeland Security

Despite budget surge, ICE fails to make country safer – Brennan Center for Justice

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“Their presence… has cost taxpayers billions of dollars at the Federal, State, and local levels.” – 2025 Executive Order from White House

Immigrants reduce America’s deficit – Cato Institute

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“Criminal illegal aliens should not be released… to terrorize more innocent Americans.” – Stephen Miller

Violent crime rate higher for US born citizens – US Department of Justice

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“They’re taking your jobs.” – Donald Trump

Drop in unauthorized immigrants slows job growth   – Reuters

(Complete report by San Francisco Federal Reserve cited above)

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Keep Families Here — Let Them Work

Work authorization for undocumented immigrants already in the US would stabilize the labor market, increase tax revenue, and reduce the need for expensive and often harmful policies. The challenge is for Congress to work together to pass legislation that balances economic needs, fairness, and security. There are four main paths:

• A pathway to full citizenship would lead to economic gains (higher wages, taxes, and consumer spending). It would also reduce the undocumented population with fewer people in legal limbo and allow for greater civic involvement. Favored by Democrats, it is unlikely to pass in the current political environment.

 

• Work permits without a pathway to citizenship would fill labor shortages quickly and avoid the citizenship debate. It would be easier to implement administratively and also lead to greater tax revenue. Favored by Republicans, it would be an improvement on the current system but workers and their families would not have a guarantee of long-term security.

 

• The Dream Act, a proposed bipartisan bill that would provide undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children (“Dreamers”) with legal status and a pathway to citizenship. Required criteria include education, military service, or employment, along with background checks. It protects long-term residents but critics say it will encourage future unauthorized immigration and, on the other hand, does not address broader issues. While it enjoys strong public support, it still faces obstacles in Congress.

 

• The bipartisan hybrid Dignity Act, would grant undocumented immigrants legal status, work authorization, and limited pathways to citizenship for groups like Dreamers. It is a multi-year program requiring background checks, taxes, and fines. Supporters see it as a pragmatic and stabilizing compromise. Critics are concerned that it leaves many without a clear path to citizenship and expands enforcement requirements. It is more politically viable but also more limited. 

Bipartisan Dignity Act – National Immigration Forum

Citizenship for Dreamers – The Dream.US

Pathways to Citizenship – FWD.US