Three Senators reintroduced the RAISE Act (Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy, S.1103) today.
The bill was first introduced last Congress by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.). Freshman Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has signed on as a co-sponsor this Congress.
In a statement, Sen. Cotton said, “For decades, our immigration system has been completely divorced from the needs of our country and has harmed the livelihoods of working-class Americans,” as reported by The Hill.
Sen. Perdue, the only member of Congress to have previously served as CEO of a Fortune 500 company, said of the legislation:
Our current immigration system is broken and is not meeting the needs of our growing economy. If we want to continue to be the global economic leader, we have to welcome the best and brightest from around the world who wish to come to the United States legally to work and make a better life for themselves.
Sen. Hawley, who defeated incumbent Claire McCaskill in 2018 said:
With the RAISE Act, the United States can finally end chain migration and move to a merit-based system. All Americans deserve rising wages, a growing economy, and an equal shot at the American Dream.
Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) also introduced the RAISE Act in the House. This is notable because it is the same legislative language as introduced in the Senate. Rep. Rooney represents Florida's 19th District. In a statement on his official Facebook page, Rep. Rooney highlighted the reasons for his support of the RAISE Act.
The RAISE Act would:
- Eliminate Outdated Diversity Visa Lottery
- Place Responsible Limit on Permanent Residency for Refugees
- Eliminate Extended Family Migration
- Create Temporary Renewable Visa for Parents in Need of Caretaking
Last August 2017, President Trump formally endorsed the RAISE Act.
Read The Hill story here.
Read Sen. Cotton’s press release here.
Read more about the RAISE Act here.
