Senate Votes 68-32 to Create a Fair, Commonsense Immigration Process

CONTACT: David Elliot, 202-607-7036

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate passage of bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform is a crucial step toward what an overwhelming majority of Americans want: a stronger economy, a level playing field and a fair shot for everyone.

“When we bring 11.5 million aspiring Americans out of the shadows and allow them to join the legal, regulated workforce, we will grow our economy,” said Sean Garren, Fair Share Legislative Director. “Employers who could otherwise game the system can no longer cheat their employees on wages and working conditions. Wages and benefits will go up – benefitting not just new Americans but all workers. And that means more dollars pumped into the economy. Everyone’s boat rises – more consumer spending, more jobs, more money for things America needs.”
 
Garren added, ”Today’s strong bipartisan vote should put the House on notice that Americans want Congress to create an immigration process that recognizes the talent, ingenuity and industry of aspiring Americans. This is no time for gridlock-as-usual. All people in this country should pay their fair share and deserve a fair shot and the freedom to pursue their dreams.”
 
Economists estimate that creating a fair and comprehensive immigration process with a roadmap to citizenship would inject $1.5 trillion into the economy over a ten-year period. Studies show that naturalized citizens earn 8 to 11 percent more in wages after naturalization. Bringing millions of aspiring Americans out of the shadows would result in a multiplier effect that would spur consumer spending, create jobs and even generate critically-needed revenue for the country’s needs, ranging from education to health care to strengthening our infrastructure and preserving our safety net.