Livingston, CA –This week, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) announced the introduction of the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act. Joined by local elected officials, community members, and advocates, the event underscored the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and strengthened border security. The bill is the result of over two years of collaboration with Valley leaders from both parties, immigration roundtables, and town halls throughout the district. Congressman John Duarte announced his “1,000 Mayors”campaign to gain 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.”
Mike Clauzel, Patterson Mayor, Mike Clauzel’s 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
San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, President Les Strojan
Madera County Farm Bureau,Christina Beckstead
Rodrigo Espinosa, Merced County Supervisor
Data on Immigration:
Ninety-six percent of Republicans and 80% of Democrats polled want stronger border security.
Seventy percent of Americans support legal pathways for high-skilled immigrants and international students.
The agricultural industry faces critical labor shortages, affecting the Valley’s economy and local farmers.
Most Americans support a path to legal status for eligible undocumented immigrants.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Enhanced Border Security: The bill allocates new resources and technology to complete the southern border wall and expand the Customs and Border Protection force, addressing drug trafficking and unauthorized entry. Note: This provision includes bill text from the Secure the Border Act of 2023 (H.R. 2).
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Eligible individuals—including a permanent fix for Dreamers and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, long-term Valley residents, and those with U.S. citizen spouses or children—can obtain TPS for five years while the government works to secure the border. Note: This bill builds on the Dignity Act, which Congressman Duarte has cosponsored since 2023.
Transition to Legal Status: TPS holders will transition to permanent status after five years, if the secure border is secured.
Agricultural Workforce Support: Establishes a “blue card” system to protect undocumented agriculture workers and allow them to return to the U.S. if they travel back to their country of origin.
To read more about the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act, click here.
