Immigration
Supporting Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Senator Reed believes we must have smart, fair, workable immigration policies that welcome those who embrace America’s ideals and values.
Immigration reform is also critical to our national security, and Senator Reed supports legislation to reduce illegal immigration, secure our borders, deter employers from hiring those who come here illegally, and offer immigrants a path to legal status if they meet very tough but fair requirements. People wishing to become American citizens must play by the rules, pay fines, pass a background check, and learn to speak English.
Senator Reed has supported several recent efforts to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform.
Read More »Key Priorities & Accomplishments
- Reed voted for the most recent bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, and continues to support a practical and enforceable reworking of our immigration laws.
- Reed has supported President Obama’s efforts to strengthen America’s economic competiveness by supporting a 21st Century legal immigration system that reflects our values and diverse needs.
- Reed is a staunch supporter of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would give bright, law-abiding, hardworking immigrant students who serve in the military or attend college an opportunity to earn legal status.
- Reed is also the author of the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (S. 656), a bill to grant permanent residency to Liberians who have lived legally in the United States since 1991. These hard working people left their nation years ago to escape danger and economic strife. They are making important economic and civic contributions to our communities and should have the option of applying for permanent residency here in their adopted home.
The Latest
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Reed Welcomes Obama’s Change in Immigration Policy
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today welcomed President Obama’s directive allowing DREAM Act-eligible students to apply for deferred action, granting them protection against deportation and the ability to get work authorization. The announcement extends to certain undocumented...
Posted on 6/15/2012 | -
Reed Applauds Obama’s Decision to Grant 18 Month Extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) applauded President Obama's announcement today extending Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Liberians for 18 months (through March 31, 2013). Liberians living in the United States who received the temporary extension had fled a bloody civil...
Posted on 8/16/2011 | -
Senators Urge an Extension of Protected Status for Liberians Living in the U.S.
In an effort to preserve the status of Liberians living legally in the United States, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today led a letter signed by fourteen of his colleagues to President Obama urging an extension and expansion of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Thousands...
Posted on 6/6/2011 | -
Reed Renews Push for DREAM Act
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined with over 30 fellow senators in reintroducing the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2011, which would give bright, law-abiding, hardworking immigrant students an opportunity to earn legal status.
Posted on 5/11/2011 | -
Reed Reintroduces the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act
In an effort to prevent thousands of Liberians living legally in the United States from being deported, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) reintroduced the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (S. 656). This legislation would allow eligible Liberians to whom the United Stat...
Posted on 4/1/2011 | -
U.S. Senate Passes $600 Million Border Security Bill
- The U.S. Senate today passed a $600 million measure to strengthen border security on the Southwest border of the United States. The bill, which was unanimously approved by voice vote, will enable the Obama Administration to deploy 1,500 additional immigration enforcement agent...
Posted on 8/12/2010 | -
President Obama Grants 18 Month Extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians
U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) applauded President Obama's announcement today extending Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Liberians for 18 months. Liberians living in the United States who received the temporary extension had fled a bloody civil...
Posted on 3/22/2010 |