Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, supported comprehensive immigration reform this week by calling for a House vote on H.R. 15, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. House Democrats filed a “Demand a Vote” petition to force a vote on the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill. Larsen is an original cosponsor of the reform package.

“Our immigration system is broken and my conversations with people across Northwest Washington have taught me that we need a comprehensive solution. I am focused on breaking down the barriers that stop people from fully participating in the economy and our democracy. Immigration reform will help us do that,” Larsen said.

A new report shows this bipartisan bill will reduce the deficit by $900 billion over the next two decades. More information on the bill is available here.

Larsen also joined other House Democrats in sending letters to President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, encouraging the administration to adjust its practices in prosecuting immigration cases.

The letters, led by Rep. Adam Smith, WA-09, call for the administration to expand immigration enforcement guidelines to consider whether undocumented immigrants have close family members in the U.S. who are citizens, legal permanent residents, or DREAMers. The letters also ask the administration to develop objective tools to ensure immigration enforcement resources emphasize keeping communities safe.

“Successful participation in society for the people of my district and across the country depends on the development of a pro-growth, efficient and fair immigration system.

“As Congress continues to debate comprehensive immigration reform, I support steps that facilitate fair and thorough deliberation of undocumented immigrants’ cases, within the confines of the law. My colleagues and I have asked the President and Secretary Johnson to assess immigration enforcement with an eye toward family and community ties, to focus resources on instances when national security or public safety is at risk,” Larsen said.

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