Immigration
We are a community of immigrants, where families from around the world have settled to call home.
As an immigrant and as a Member representing a community that is over one-third foreign born, this is an issue of great personal importance. Immigrants enrich our economy and society and we should welcome those who seek to better their lives as we have done for centuries.
We must combat the false narrative that immigrants are dangerous individuals. Not only do we need to undo the harm of the past Administration, we must also reimagine an immigration system guided by justice and compassion. This is why I have itntroduced the New Way Forward Act to restore the fundamental principles of due process to keep families together, and dismantle the prison to deportation pipeline.
We must also continue to hold agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accountable. Fighting for a fair immigration system also means finding an immediate solution for 800,000 DREAMers who are living in constant uncertainty. Ultimately, I am determined to pave a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented people in this country including DACA- and DAPA-eligible individuals and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
More on Immigration
Chicago, IL – Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted an informational session on the Trump Administration's mean-spirited public charge rule and what it means for immigrant families Friday at Esperanza Health Center in Brighton Park. This new rule would allow immigration officials to deny immigrants green cards based on their income or the wholly legal action of using of public benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid.
Chicago, IL - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement regarding the Trump administration's new ruling that will undercut the Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA) that currently restricts how long U.S. officials can detain migrant children and establishes basic standards for their care:
Chicago, IL - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement regarding the request by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to permit the transfer of funds to ICE to expand the network of immigration detention and enforcement centers:
"Tears are still running down the eyes of the immigrant children whose parents were detained by ICE in Mississippi last week and the Trump Administration is already looking to make space to detain more hard-working people.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) joined a group of 15 Members of Congress, led by Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) in a letter to Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan voicing strong objections to the recent signing of the "safe third country" agreement with the government of Guatemala.
Washington, D.C. – Last week Representatives Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) and Barbara Lee (CA-13), joined by 40 Democratic Members, sent a letter to the Department of Justice raising grave concerns about its plan to end the use of in-court interpreters for undocumented immigrants appearing in their first deportation hearings, and instead, use pre-recorded videos.
Chicago, IL - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision allowing President Trump to steal funds from the Department of Defense for an ineffective border wall:
"I am deeply disturbed by the news tonight that the Supreme Court will allow the President to spend $2.5 billion from the Pentagon on a harmful, ineffective border wall. The Congress rejected funding the wall, so the President is going around the Constitution and teaming up with the Court against the will of the people.
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García released the following statement after voting for H.R. 3239, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act: