May 23, 2024

Wyden Statement on Senate Republicans Blocking Debate on Bipartisan Immigration Bill

Washington, D.C. - Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement today after Senate Republicans blocked debate on the bipartisan immigration bill for a second time:  

“I continue to hear from Oregonians concerned about our broken immigration system and who want Congress to act on comprehensive solutions to address today’s challenges. This is why I voted today – and earlier this year – to advance essential debate on bills that reflect true, bipartisan compromise.

“Just like earlier this year, Senate Republicans once again chose to reject the bipartisan immigration bill they negotiated – because Donald Trump doesn’t want it passed. He doesn’t want to fix the border, he wants to complain about the border. And clearly, the vast majority of Republicans will do whatever he says. The level of hypocrisy by Republicans on this issue is unacceptable. They are unwilling to actually solve issues at our southern border, even though President Biden stands ready to sign into law what Congress sends to his desk.

“While I support debate on the Border Act, I want to make clear that I do not endorse all provisions in the bill. This legislative package includes a number of helpful provisions, which I and many Oregonians support, such as fulfilling our promises to Afghan allies; addressing visa and other case backlogs; providing additional visas for noncitizen military members, children of long-term visa holders, and for temporary family visits; expediting work authorizations, expanding access to counsel for the most vulnerable noncitizens; among other essential improvements. I also recognize that there are concerning provisions in this bill that undermine U.S. commitment to asylum seekers, while failing to provide solutions to the root causes of migration. 

“Oregonians should know that my ‘yea’ vote today reflects my commitment to ensuring that Congress works to debate and provide solutions to these issues, so Oregonians can see a more modern immigration system that meets America’s economic and security needs.”

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