Senator Alex Padilla – Page 5

Oppose closure of OPT Compliance Unit

Ask Biden to reopen OPT compliance unit!

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program gives businesses a financial incentive to hire foreign college graduates instead of American and legal immigrant graduates. Employers do not have to pay payroll taxes and the OPT employees do not have to pay FICA withholding, making these employees significantly less expensive to hire. The OPT program is responsible for the inability of most American STEM graduates to find jobs in STEM fields — fewer than 50% of STEM graduates are finding STEM jobs. Moreover, the FICA fund loses out on $2 billion each year due to OPT and CPT.

Abolish birthright citizenship

Abolish birthright citizenship!

Often lost in the immigration debate is the issue of Birthright Citizenship. Birthright Citizenship is an outdated practice that lures foreign nationals to the United States so their unborn children can become U.S. citizens. Please work to end this ridiculous policy!

Immigration restrictions support the message from Civil Rights movement

Honor MLK with immigration policy that spurs economic mobility.

As we reflect on MLK’s life, it’s important to also acknowledge A. Philip Randolph, who was the lead organizer of the 1963 March on Washington which included Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I have a dream” speech. Randolph had a long history of advocating for immigration restrictions so as to advance the economic interests of Black Americans.

Immigration reform must benefit Americans and legal immigrants!

No immigration increases during COVID-enforced unemployment!

President Biden is planning to make immigration reform a priority during his administration. When considering immigration legislation, Congress must not approve any immigration increases while millions of American and legal immigrant workers are out of work or working reduced hours due to COVID-19. Workers are already struggling and shouldn’t face increased competition for jobs.