Immigration

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and 135 House Democrats wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson urging an end to family detention. “We are troubled by the Department of Homeland Security’s continued detention of mothers and children in secure, jail-like facilities,” the letter stated. “The only solution to this problem is… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today praised a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that will allow work permits for spouses of immigrants inside the United States holding H-1B visas. “Spouses of high-skilled workers are often just as skilled and educated as their husbands or wives,” DelBene said. “The previous ban disproportionately harmed women who simply… Read more »

TACOMA – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today saw the Northwest Detention Center, where immigrants are held before deportation hearings. “Our broken immigration system is hurting Washington state’s economy and families. Today far too many individuals, who pose no risk to the public’s safety, are being detained or face deportation, needlessly tearing them away… Read more »

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) signed an amicus brief with 180 colleagues in support of the President’s appeal in the Fifth Circuit case of Texas v. United States. “Everyone agrees, our immigration system is broken, but House Republican leaders have refused to allow a vote on bipartisan, commonsense comprehensive immigration reform legislation,” DelBene… Read more »

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) opposed partisan legislation that would result in the deportation of hundreds of thousands of children seeking asylum and criminalize undocumented immigrants overnight. DelBene called on House Judiciary Committee leadership to instead take bipartisan action on comprehensive immigration reform that would create jobs and grow the… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today attended the signing of a pre-clearance agreement between the United States and Canada. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Canadian Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney were the signatories of the agreement. DelBene applauded the agreement, which over time will have far-reaching economic benefits for Washington’s… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with Northern border stakeholders at Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute, where she discussed cross-border commerce and its contribution to the First District’s economy. “The commerce and tourism that comes with sharing a border is a critical factor in maintaining a vibrant economy,”… Read more »

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) called on House leaders to allow an up-or-down vote on legislation that would fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the fiscal year. “While I’m disappointed we haven’t achieved full-funding yet, I’m glad we have avoided a shutdown that would harm workers and our national security,” DelBene… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) delivered the following remarks on the House of Representatives floor today, calling on House leadership to fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the fiscal year. DelBene’s speech, as prepared for delivery, is below: “In my state of Washington, we’re very familiar with the vital role the Department of Homeland… Read more »

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) heard from the Port of Bellingham about how a lack of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would affect airport staff, such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. If Congress doesn’t act by February 27, nearly 50,000 TSA workers and more than 40,000 CBP… Read more »