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Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R–Yucaipa) and her colleagues from both the Senate and Assembly, including Democrats and Republicans, have formally urged President Donald J. Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson to take immediate federal action to establish an expedited process to issue work permits to undocumented immigrants who are currently supporting essential sectors of the American economy. Many of whom have been waiting for over a decade for their citizenship paperwork to be processed.
In the letter, Senator Ochoa Bogh emphasizes the federal government must design a workforce permitting system that better responds to emerging labor needs in all sectors of the U.S. economy, ensures the highest level of national security, and allows individuals to become legal and empowered participants in our society and economy.
“We must not overlook the value of their economic, academic, and cultural contributions,” wrote Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Issuing work permits would allow our undocumented workforce to continue to hold legal, tax-generating jobs, and for the U.S. to remain competitive in the global economy.”
The letter cites the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., 2.5 million of whom reside in California, and highlights the fragmented nature of federal immigration reform efforts. She urges the creation of a streamlined federal permitting system that meets workforce demands, enhances national security, and protects against exploitation.
“America’s immigration system has been broken for far too long. It’s time for us to pursue immigration reform that aligns with the needs of our great nation,” concluded Senator Ochoa Bogh.
Read and download letter here.