On the recordFebruary 25, 2015
Just this morning, Nevada Attorney General Laxalt testified before the House Judiciary Committee, claiming that the implementation of DAPA and extension of DACA would cause undue economic hardship for our State. Well, I would like to see his evidence, because data show that granting administrative relief to qualified undocumented immigrants would actually contribute to economic growth. Thanks to these executive actions, the legal workforce will expand, and average wages for all workers will increase by $170 a year. The Federal deficit will be reduced by $25 billion, and GDP will grow from $90 billion to $210 billion over the next decade. Furthermore, it is estimated that expanding DACA and DAPA will increase Nevada's GDP from $700 million to $1.7 billion over the next 10 years and lead to $21 million in additional tax revenue for the State over the next 5 years. So, in short, General, not implementing the President's actions is not only morally indefensible, but also economically foolish. And, I might add, holding up DHS funding for this purpose is a shameful political act that puts Americans at risk. ____________________
