Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021.

“President Biden and the Democrats are putting a big ‘Open Now’ sign at our border,”said Burgess. “This legislation basically says that it is okay to overstay your visa or to come here without the proper documents because eventually you will be given a free pass and a green card.

“We are nearing the end of a pandemic that has left many Americans without work. Congress’ priority should be finding ways to encourage American businesses to hire more American workers rather than prioritizing foreign workers. American jobs should first and foremost go to American workers.

“Our immigration system needs reforms; however, those reforms should not place lawbreakers in front of those who have respected and followed our laws. Instead of introducing legislation, which was unsuccessful in becoming law last Congress, Democrats should have taken the time to go through the committee process and then call for a vote.”

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