Newsletter: Advocating for Bipartisan Immigration Solutions

I am continuing to closely monitor the situation on our southern border and the fallout from the Trump Administration's decision to separate children from their parents when apprehended by border security. I strongly oppose the Administration's decision and, last week, I joined with my colleagues to introduce legislation that would end this abhorrent policy. I was relieved to see the Trump Administration issue an executive order to end this practice, but there are still many unanswered questions and uncertainty about how different federal agencies are interpreting the President's order. It is crucial for the Administration to ensure all families who were separated are reunited as quickly as possible.

But, while the Administration's zero tolerance prosecution policy may be an improvement, it is far from a solution. It still potentially confines children indefinitely—albeit with parents, rather than apart. We urgently need bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform, both to fix our broken immigration legal system and secure the border.

Unfortunately, the Speaker of the House will only allow a vote on purely partisan, anti-immigrant bills containing hard-line measures that neither reflect our country's character as a nation of immigrants, nor make our country stronger. The proposed legislation would deny permanent protection to DREAMers, would slash legal immigration limits, and would prevent U.S. citizens from sponsoring parents, adult children, and siblings. Last week, I was pleased to see the House vote down the first Goodlatte bill, with 41 Republicans joining all the Democrats in opposition.

This is yet more proof that the partisan approach is the wrong way to fix our nation's immigration system, or any of the other serious challenges we face as a nation. There are bipartisan immigration solutions available that can pass the House, including the USA Act which pairs a solution for DREAMers with smart investments in border security. We need Speaker Ryan to restore "Regular Order" to the House and allow a vote on bipartisan legislation, not just immigration bills exclusively supported by his Republican colleagues.

Do you have thoughts on immigration you'd like to share? Send me a message via our website.

Please continue reading for the announcement of our second Brad's Bookworm's reading program for elementary students, as well as a last call for applications to our STEM Scholars program for high schoolers.

ANNOUNCING BRAD'S BOOKWORMS READING PROGRAM

Getting an early start on the coming school year, we're launching the second year of "Brad's Bookworms" today so kids and their family's can read together over the summer.

Children participating in the program are asked to read at least 10 books with help from parents, grandparents, older siblings, or other family members between today and November 30, 2018 and track their progress toward this goal. Young people who meet their goal of 10 books will be invited with their families to join me at a recognition ceremony celebrating their achievement.

Learn more about the program on our website.

LAST CALL FOR STEM SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS

The Tenth District STEM Scholar Program is an exciting new educational opportunity for high school students in our community. The program aims to connect highly-motivated students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with hands-on learning experiences throughout our district.

Beginning this fall, students selected to participate in the STEM Scholars program will have the opportunity to join me on visits to four STEM-related businesses and facilities during the 2018-2019 school year. On these visits, we'll participate in discussions with local employees, business owners, and educators, and learn more about the STEM career opportunities in our backyard.

I'm extremely excited about this program. If you're a rising Sophomore or Junior High School student, learn more and apply on our website before Friday, June 29.

CONSTITUENT CASEWORK SUCCESS – HELP WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

In January, Tom was shocked to find more than $10,000 had been fraudulently withdrawn from his Social Security account by a hacker. Tom tried calling the Social Security Administration and even visiting their Waukegan office, but he wasn't making progress. After getting in touch with our office, we were able to expedite the fraud claim and help Tom recover his stolen funds. If you have an issue with the an federal agency – big or small – our team of constituent service representatives can help. Get in touch at (847) 383-4870. #IL10ConstituentCasework

NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS

Our office also hosts frequent Neighborhood Office Hours for constituents to more easily meet with caseworkers and staff to discuss any federal issues that they may have and learn more about services our office can provide. This week, our team will be in Wheeling and Libertyville.

We've also partnered with the office of Sen. Tammy Duckworth for the Neighborhood Office Hours on Wednesday, June 6 in Waukegan.

Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

Proud to stand with my Democrat colleagues calling on President Trump to end his "zero tolerance" policy and stop the family separations. That's why we support the #KeepFamiliesTogetherAct.

We had a great turnout this weekend at our #CongressonYourCorner in Fox Lake, Illinois. My thanks to Village of Fox Lake for hosting, Mayor Donny Schmit for joining the discussion, and everyone else who made time to participate.

I met last week with Running Start, a non-partisan movement to encourage young women leaders and ultimately to bring more women's voices to the table and in the halls of power.

Thank you to these Tenth District Alzheimer's Advocates for visiting during Alzheimer's Awareness Month. I was proud to support increased funding at NIH to #ENDALZ

Speaking with U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) about the importance of America's global engagement and support for diplomacy and development.

I was glad to discuss ways to support local small business with the NFIB last week.

Please continue to stay in touch and share your thoughts, either by calling our DC office at (202) 225-4835 or emailing via our website.