Immigration
We are a nation of immigrants, and I am proud of the heritage of inclusion that defines us all as Americans. Our country thrives on the innovation, culture, and diversity that immigrants from all walks of life bring to the United States. The United States has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for people who seek a better life. History has not looked kindly on us when we have prevented people fleeing violence from seeking refuge in this country.
My Work on Immigration
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced H. Res 468, a resolution supporting DREAMers in the military. The resolution calls on the Secretary of Defense to authorize DREAMers to serve in the armed services. Allowing DREAMers to serve would improve military readiness and let young people who grew up in the United States serve the country they call home.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to provide $4.5 billion in emergency appropriations to address the humanitarian crisis at the Southern border:
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville called his vote for a bill to provide legal status for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children one of his proudest moments in Congress.
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors, or DREAM, Act was originally filed by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, in 2001, but has never been passed, although it's been brought up multiple times in subsequent congressional sessions.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act:
WASHINGTON — The House on Tuesday approved a measure to offer legal protections to “Dreamers” and others — youths brought to the U.S. illegally through no fault of their own — with bills authored by Democrats stalled because of a blockade in the GOP-run Senate.
The Senate is a “legislative black hole,” Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., a physicist, told me.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) introduced H.R. 2430, the Protecting Immigrants from Legal Exploitation Act. The legislation would create penalties for those who provide fraudulent immigration legal services, allow immigrants who are victims of fraud to have their cases reconsidered under certain circumstances, and create grant programs to educate immigrants on how to avoid legal service fraud and to assist qualified non-profit organizations in providing immigrants with legal services.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Foster (D-IL) issued a statement on President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency:
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the funding deal to keep the government open:
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) introduced H.R. 1045, the Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act. The legislation would require immigration detention centers to inform immigrant detainees of their legal rights within five days of their arrival at the facilities. It would also require the Attorney General to develop and implement legal orientation programs in every detention center that houses immigrants.