Contact: Aaron White
Phone: 202-225-5506
Aaron.White@mail.house.gov
La Crosse – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind unveiled his plan to end the government shutdown. The plan includes several steps to strengthen border security, and create a pathway to legal citizenship for immigrants. The plan’s first priority is reopening the federal government, which has been partially closed since December 22, 2018.
The plan consists of several components:
· Reopen the government
· Create a Path to Citizenship
· Repair and Construction, and Patrol the Border
· Secure our Border with Modern Technology
· Improve Internal Immigration and Visa Enforcement
· Enhance Drug Interdiction Measures
“This shutdown is hurting Wisconsin farmers, workers and families. We need to reopen the government, and get both sides in the same room so we can have a meaningful discussion about how to move forward,” said Rep. Ron Kind.
“There is no question that our immigration system is broken and badly in need of repair. Instead of refusing to work together, I’m proposing a compromise: commonsense solutions to the problems that we face, and at no cost to Wisconsinites. It’s time we create a pathway to citizenship that funds border modernization and stops the inflow of drugs into our country, while promoting the legal immigration that Wisconsin’s farmers, businesses and communities need.”
Unlike the president’s request for a $5.7 Billion border wall funded by Wisconsin taxpayer dollars, Rep. Kind’s plan would raise $24 Billion for border security by fining immigrants living in America without proper documentation or with expired visas. It would also create a path to citizenship for the estimated 12 million immigrants living in America illegally, in-turn growing the labor force and creating a sustainable new source of tax revenue.
His plan would also focus on working with local law enforcement on the border to repair and construct infrastructure in the most effective manner. This includes securing our border with modern, 21st-century technology, like drones, vehicle screening, and ground detection systems. Local law enforcement and federal government agencies would also work collaboratively to enhance drug interdiction measures at the border and in all ports of entry to the United States.
Rep. Kind’s office is open and ready to help Wisconsin workers, farmers and families impacted by the federal government shutdown. Constituents can reach the office by calling toll-free: 1-888-442-8040, or by visiting Rep. Kind’s website: kind.house.gov.
Read more about the plan here.
