WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2017 — The Niskanen Center is proud to support the immigration bill introduced today by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The SUCCEED ACT takes an approach that is conservative, compassionate, and pragmatic in addressing one of today’s most pressing issues.

The Succeed Act creates a pathway by which immigrants who came to the United States at age 15 and under, and before June 15, 2012, can earn a green card over eight years. It would ensure that Dreamers could be protected from deportation with legal status, provided they keep a clean record and graduate from higher education, work, or serves in the military.  

“I applaud Senators Tillis and Lankford for demonstrating bold leadership and dedication in identifying constructive, conservative solutions to our nation’s most difficult problems,” says Jerry Taylor, president of the Niskanen Center. “This permanent, legislative, Republican-led initiative protects Dreamers who work, study, or serve in the military.”

Taylor adds, “Republicans should embrace this historic opportunity to pass meaningful immigration reform.”

The Niskanen Center’s Karl Smith and Jeremy L. Neufeld have researched the effects of the bill and published original economic analysis, which concludes that the legislation would create 117,000 new jobs and add $81 billion to GDP over the next decade.

“As the Niskanen study demonstrates, Dreamers are high-achieving and well-educated individuals who will provide a tremendous economic boost to our country for years to come,” says Linda Chavez, senior fellow at the Niskanen Center and former official in numerous Republican administrations. “Senators Tillis and Lankford deserves praise for promoting a conservative Dreamer solution that outlines an organized process by which talented and hard-working young undocumented individuals can earn legal status.”

Chavez notes, “Such a proposal is hugely popular amongst the American people—Republicans and Democrats alike—and should have the support of this Congress.”

We commend Senators Lankford and Tillis for their leadership in promoting positive, feasible solutions to urgent problems in our immigration system. We are excited to continue engaging Capitol Hill for permanent protections for these young immigrants.

You can find our economic and fiscal impact report here.

The Niskanen Center is a Washington, D.C.-based libertarian think tank that works to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.

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Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels