For too long, Congress has delayed addressing our broken immigration system. As a result, we are left with a deeply flawed system that is not working for our communities, businesses, immigrants, or families. There is both a moral and economic imperative that we reach a solution to this problem.

We need immigration reform that takes a balanced, responsible approach to securing our borders while recognizing the enormous contributions immigrants make to our nation. This means focusing our enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to public safety while honoring students and hardworking people adding value to our economy.

Comprehensive immigration reform should eliminate application backlogs, reunite families, and meet the demands of our economy. I strongly support an earned path to citizenship for those who are already here, otherwise following the law, working or going to school, or making positive contributions to their communities. We must ensure that American employers and entrepreneurs can attract and hire the workforce demanded by a highly competitive 21st Century economy. Our local employers, whether in technology, research, manufacturing, or agriculture, need an immigration system that works for them and helps create jobs.

Given Washington’s location as a northern border state, we cannot neglect issues concerning the flow of goods and people to and from Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have pushed Canadian and American governments to establish a special travel exemption for Point Roberts. Our border communities rely on our close relationship with Canada, and we must continue to work in unison to ensure the best interests of our communities.