Merced Times

This week, Congressman John Duarte of California's 13th district introduced the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act. The announcement was made in Livingston, California, with local elected officials, community members, and advocates present to emphasize the need for comprehensive immigration reform and enhanced border security. The bill is a product of over two years of collaboration involving bipartisan Valley leaders, immigration roundtables, and town halls across the district.

Congressman Duarte also launched his "1,000 Mayors" campaign aimed at gathering nationwide support and feedback from local elected officials. “Families, workers, and communities throughout the Valley want real immigration solutions, not political grandstanding,” said Rep. Duarte. “This bill protects our immigrant communities and brings them out of the shadows, protects our communities against drug trafficking, and improves our Valley economy. I’m proud to work with my Democrat and Republican friends and local leaders to fix our immigration and border system.”

The press conference included speakers such as Maria Pacheco (Kerman Mayor), Jose Moran (Livingston Mayor), Mike Clauzel (Patterson Mayor) along with his wife Efigenia Clauzel, Javier Lopez (Ceres Mayor), Amy Bublak (Turlock Mayor), Paul Lanez (Los Banos Mayor), Mike Nelson (Atwater Mayor), Cece Gallegos (Madera Mayor Pro-Tem), Gurpal Samra (Livingston Mayor Pro-Tem), Lloyd Pariera (Merced County Supervisor), Les Strojan from San Joaquin County Farm Bureau President, Christina Beckstead from Madera County Farm Bureau, and Rodrigo Espinosa who is a Merced County Supervisor.

Polling data shows that 96% of Republicans and 80% of Democrats favor stronger border security while 70% of Americans support legal pathways for high-skilled immigrants and international students. The agricultural sector faces labor shortages impacting the Valley’s economy significantly.

Key provisions in the proposed legislation include enhanced border security through additional resources for completing the southern border wall as well as expanding Customs and Border Protection forces. Temporary Protected Status will be offered to eligible individuals including Dreamers under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy among others allowing five-year TPS while efforts continue towards securing borders.

TPS holders could transition into permanent status after five years if borders are deemed secure meanwhile an agricultural workforce support system introducing a "blue card" will protect undocumented agriculture workers allowing reentry into U.S post visiting their countries origin.