Patrick Murphy on Immigration Democrat

Fair path to citizenship while securing our borders

I believe undocumented workers that have otherwise observed our laws should be given a reasonable path to legality. This is a policy that historically was supported by Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Obama--all of whom have proposed ideas as to how to accomplish this.

I strongly support the DREAM act which opens a path of legality to students who have graduated from US high schools and attend college or join the military. Not only is this fair, it will provide our college system with greatly needed additional revenue and our military with a much needed infusion of eager and motivated soldiers.

My opponent's take on how to handle the immigration issue was that law-abiding undocumented workers should be denied care at emergency rooms. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Voted to legalize DREAMer immigrants via military service.

Congressional Summary: The House voted on an amendment by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) to H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017. The amendment would prohibit funds from being used to extend the expiration of, or reissue a new expiration date to, the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program.

Recommendation by Heritage Foundation to vote YES:(6/16/2016): The MAVNI program is a pilot program authorizing "military services to recruit certain legal immigrants whose skills are considered to be vital to the national interest." However, a DoD memo has made it clear that DACA/DAPA recipients are eligible under this program, essentially opening up a pathway to amnesty for illegal aliens who enlist. By ensuring that this guidance ends, DOD will no longer be able to enlist illegal immigrants through MAVNI.

Recommendation by the ACLU to vote NO: (6/28/2011): The DREAM Act promotes fundamental fairness for young people by allowing access to affordable post-secondary education and military service opportunities, regardless of immigration status, and would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, have lived here for at least five years and have graduated from high school. The DREAM Act could result in billions of dollars in additional tax revenue from tapping the potential of DREAM-eligible students and future service personnel. Since September 11, 2001, more than 69,000 immigrants have earned citizenship while serving, and more than 125 who entered military service after that date have made the ultimate sacrifice in war by giving their lives for this nation.

Legislative outcome: Failed House 210 to 211 (no Senate vote)