Three years ago this week the Senate proved it could take on a longstanding challenge with the purpose and diligence Coloradans expect: we passed a bill to fix our broken immigration system. The best example of collaboration and leadership I’ve seen in Washington was working with the Gang of Eight on immigration reform. It wasn’t bipartisan so much as non-partisan – people coming together to do what’s right.
That bill was the result of months of hard work. When I first came to the Senate, we set out to have a conversation about what could be done to bring 11 million undocumented immigrants out of the shadows, strengthen the border and boost our economy. We listened to farmers and ranchers, migrant workers, law enforcement and business, our tourism and technology industries, and faith and labor leaders. Together, we outlined our principles for reform in the Colorado Compact and brought some Colorado collaboration to Washington.
The Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill was a model for leadership in Congress. People were able to check their party affiliation at the door and get it done right – we even forged some compromises, because that’s how you work together. Finally, Republicans and Democrats set aside extremism and agreed it was time to get something done.
Things looked promising, but Washington dysfunction still got in the way. The bill never came to a vote in the House of Representatives, even though it had enough support to become law. No wonder voters are so frustrated with Congress.
And we’re still stuck with the old system today. Families continue to be ripped apart and live their lives in fear. A mess of unintended consequences hurts our businesses and puts us at an economic disadvantage with the rest of the world.
Deferred action has helped some come out of the shadows and fully participate in society, including more than 16,000 young Coloradans. But the next president can reverse those policies with the stroke of a pen. And a deadlocked, understaffed Supreme Court just blocked deportation relief for millions more.
When I chatted with a group of Metro State University DREAMers over breakfast recently, it was clear they were scared. These are students who were raised in America, working hard in school to build their own futures. But if Donald Trump becomes president, they’re terrified of the worst possible scenario – losing their status while the government knows exactly where they are. And being sent away from the only place they’ve ever called home.
Colorado needs leaders who will cut through the fearmongering and work to get things done. We can’t wait another three years – the time to fix our broken immigration system is now, and I’ll keep fighting for real solutions.
Michael Bennet, D-Denver, represents Colorado in the United States Senate.