From the Jerry Evans for Congress Campaign:

Jerry Evans – My Plan to Address the Immigration Crisis

“Addressing the immigration crisis starts with protecting American jobs, the economy, and our safety, and it ends with compassion for those in need.” — Jerry Evans

Secure the Southern Border:  It is clearer than ever that President Trump needs allies in Congress who will prioritize securing the southern border. I believe we need to finish the wall and I would vote to appropriate the funds needed to get the job done. I would not support a half measured approach. Securing the border is a necessity to protect Americans against human smuggling, drug trafficking, and job loss to illegal border crossers. Securing the border is a first step to addressing our immigration crisis. 

End “Catch and Release”: It is unfortunate that in America our Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is tasked with bringing in illegal immigrants only to release them back into our country. “Catch and Release” must end and I believe this is a process that can be fixed with two measures. First, by granting work visas with an eventual path to citizenship for long-standing deserving immigrants. And secondly, by rightly deporting those who come into America illegally and commit misdemeanors and felonies. There are over an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States and if they’ve broken the law in our country they should immediately face deportation. 

Post DACA and a Plan for Dreamers:  In 2017 President Trump rightly sought to wind down the Obama era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. While the court’s ruling on DACA is pending, Congress must create a plan for Dreamers. My plan, in agreement with President Trump, will allow dreamers who have not been convicted of misdemeanors or felonies a path to legalization. Past Congresses have failed to address DACA recipients and I won’t let this happen again. 

Treat Refugees with Compassion: I truly believe we must treat refugees with compassion. In America, we are blessed to live in a safe country that does not require us to leave our homeland for the purpose of our well being. Unfortunately not every country has the same luxury, which is why my plan for refugees starts with keeping America safe, and ends with compassion. There are times where I would support temporary travel bans in order to keep America safe, but more importantly we must know exactly who we allow into our country by taking proper vetting measures. 

Pathway to Legal Citizenship:  Additionally, we must update the citizenship process. The current process is extremely timely even for qualified applicants. I would support longer and more work visas for immigrants who are working through the proper steps to citizenship. Too often able-bodied workers are forced to leave the country while their citizenship application is still in process, which causes long standing delays for both the applicant and U.S. government. 

E-Verify:  To support hard-working Americans I believe we must verify the employment eligibility of immigrants during the hiring process. E-Verify is an important tool for all employers which is why I support expanding and increasing the use of E-Verify.