Immigration

Fixing our broken immigration system is an urgent priority.

As the son of an immigrant, I'm familiar with the unique promise America represents for families. I know how hard immigrants work, how much they believe in this country, and how much they're willing to give back.

New Mexico's remarkable spirit is rooted in our diversity, history, and culture, which has always been enriched by our immigrant communities and family members.  At the same time, the laws that govern our country's immigration system are antiquated and ineffective.

We need a solution that includes a visa system that meets the needs of our economy, a tough but fair path to earned citizenship for the estimated 11 million people in our country who are undocumented, and a plan that ensures security at our borders.

I’ve been a lead proponent of the DREAM Act, and I know that a commitment to reform our country’s immigration system also requires a commitment to our students. DREAMers represent what’s best about our nation: hard work, motivation, and a willingness to serve this country in uniform. DREAMers are bright, inspiring, and most of them don’t know how to be anything but an American.

New Mexicans are eager for a solution, DREAM Act students deserve a solution, and our economy requires a solution. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that we achieve accountable immigration reform that works for New Mexico and the country.

Latest

  • NM senators offer border security plans

    In an effort to prevent another lapse in federal funding, U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall on Thursday introduced three proposals aimed at addressing needs in remote areas of the southern border region and bolstering economic development in border communities. Read More

  • Heinrich Leads Border State Senators On Legislation To Improve Health & Safety In Remote Areas Of Southern Border

    Feb. 7, 2019) - In response to recent child migrant deaths, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) led fellow border state Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) in introducing the Remote, Emergency, Medical, Online Training, Telehealth, and EMT (REMOTE) Act to improve health and safety in all remote areas of the southern border. The legislation would provide additional medical training and resources to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Read More

  • Udall, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Prevent Separation of Immigrant Families at the Border

    WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with 40 other Democratic senators, introduced legislation to keep immigrant families together and prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking children from their parents at the border. The Keep Families Together Act would prohibit the separation of children from their parents or legal guardians at or near ports of entry or within 100 miles of the border, unless they are being trafficked or abused by their parents. The legislation was developed in consultation with child welfare experts to ensure the federal government is acting in the best interest of children and is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Kids In Need of Defense (KIND), Children's Law Center, Young Center for Immigrant Rights, and the Women's Refugee Commission.    Read More

  • Udall, Heinrich, Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Prevent President From Using Emergency Declaration to Raid Funds for Border Wall

    WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced the Restrictions Against Illegitimate Declarations for Emergency Re-appropriations (RAIDER) Act of 2019. The legislation prevents the president from utilizing the National Emergencies Act of 1976 to raid critical military construction and disaster response funds to construct his wall along the southern border. Read More

  • Border State Senators Introduce Bill To Prevent Trump Administration From Unilaterally Seizing Private Land For Border Wall

    Jan. 30, 2019) - Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) introduced the Full Fair and Complete Exchange Act, legislation that would prohibit the federal government from taking possession of land for border infrastructure until all persons or entities entitled to compensation are remunerated in full. The bill ensures that the federal government provide compensation on a timely basis for land acquired for border infrastructure, and would require consultation and approval from relevant stakeholders, including tribes, for any acquired State land. Read More

  • Heinrich: Act on energy, education

    SANTA FE - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich called on state lawmakers Friday to pass legislation dealing with renewable energy, climate change and early childhood education during their ongoing 60-day legislation. Read More