Washington, DC – Today, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Executive Director Ben Johnson shared his initial thoughts on the immigration reform proposal from Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in the following statement:
"For decades, America’s immigration system has urgently needed meaningful congressional reform. AILA applauds Senator Gallego for taking a critical first step with this blueprint. His plan understandably focuses on securing the border, which polling shows matters to voters, but also matches it with essential elements of real reform: providing legal pathways that serve American families and businesses, legalizing the status of people who are undocumented or in a limbo status, and addressing the root causes of migration.
"We believe the plan would benefit from a stronger emphasis on due process, including the right to legal counsel and a fair day in court, which are indispensable elements for AILA and fundamental to any just immigration system. We stand ready to work with Senator Gallego on the details of all his proposals to build out a structurally sound plan that will design a fair and reasonable immigration system that is balanced and advances America’s prosperity and future."
