Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued statements on Sunday night supporting Pres. Trump's Immigration Principles. AG Sessions has been a long-time champion for immigration policies that would put the interests of American workers first, and Rep. Smith introduced the House companion bill to the RAISE Act that would accomplish the legal reforms in the White House principles.
The Immigration Principles released by the White House on Sunday night call for additional border security, enhanced interior enforcement, including mandatory E-Verify for all employers, and an end to chain migration and the visa lottery with a new merit-based points system for issuing new green cards.
Attorney General Session said:
“For decades the American people rightly have pleaded with their government for a lawful system of immigration. They have asked for secure borders and an immigration system that serves the national interest.
“Unfortunately, over the last several decades respect for the rule of law has broken down and immigration enforcement has been sacrificed for the sake of political expediency. This has made us less secure and it cannot stand.
“Now President Trump has put forth a series of proposals that will restore the rule of law to our immigration system, prioritize America's safety and security, and end the lawlessness.
"These are reasonable proposals that will build on the early success of President Trump's leadership. This plan will work. If followed it will produce an immigration system with integrity and one in which we can take pride. Perhaps the best result will be that unlawful attempts to enter will continue their dramatic decline.
“I applaud President Trump and urge Congress to listen to the American people and swiftly pass these commonsense proposals into law. The Department of Justice stands ready to continue making our neighborhoods and communities safe and secure again.”
Rep. Lamar Smith said:
“I support the priorities in President Trump’s immigration reform outline. We need to know who's coming into the country. We need to save jobs for American workers. We need to protect American taxpayers. We need to have immigrants respect our laws and we need to keep our communities safe from criminal immigrants.
“Many of the policies in the administration’s agenda have come through the House Judiciary Committee of which I am a member and former chairman. This Congress I’ve introduced the Legal Workforce Act, which saves jobs for American workers, and the Immigration in the National Interest Act, which prioritizes skills and training and ends extended-family chain migration.
“I appreciate the President promoting these policies and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass needed immigration reform.”
