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New Congressional Report Cards on Immigration

As the 119th Congress resumes after a recess, all Members are welcomed back with a report card assessing their immigration-related actions and inactions. This evaluation is initiated by NumbersUSA Action, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to influencing immigration policy toward reduced levels.

According to the latest grades posted on congressgrades.org, only four of the 535 Congressional Members have successfully achieved an 'A Grade' based on their immigration efforts to this point, while an additional eleven have received an 'A-minus'. This grading system aims to provide real-time feedback on lawmakers' performance regarding immigration reform and enforcement.

The Importance of Real-Time Grading

Roy Beck, the founder of NumbersUSA, emphasizes the need for voters to be promptly informed about their elected officials' stance on immigration. “Voters should not have to wait until year-end to understand what their representatives are doing,” Beck states. This sentiment is primarily driven by a desire to enhance transparency around Congressional actions and their impact on immigration policies.

NumbersUSA has committed to updating the grade cards weekly to reflect ongoing Congressional actions, especially as discussions around enforcement funding and immigration legislation advance. Such immediate feedback can empower voters to engage more effectively with their representatives, pushing for enhanced accountability and improved immigration records.

Historical Context of Grade Evaluation

The grading system evaluates Congressional actions based on legislation influencing immigration flow, dating back to the early 1990s. Each grade card presents a detailed account of every floor and committee vote, as well as co-sponsorship of bills and amendments affecting immigration.

Significantly, some Members—like Senators Chuck Grassley from Iowa and Chuck Schumer from New York—have been part of Congress since 1990 and have their historical voting records included in this evaluation.

Policy Recommendations and Public Sentiment

The evaluation process prominently features the recommendations set forth by the late Barbara Jordan, who chaired the bipartisan U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. Beck notes that one of the commission’s central priorities was promoting economic fairness for American workers. Aligning with this vision, Members of Congress are rated on their support for key policies aimed at reducing overall immigration levels. Specific recommendations include ending Chain Migration, abolishing the Visa Lottery, and enforcing E-Verify to prevent illegal hiring practices. These policies receive widespread backing from the public, as they seek to alleviate competition for American workers in housing, jobs, and other essential resources.

Conclusion

As America continues to grapple with immigration reform, the transparency offered by NumbersUSA’s grade cards provides invaluable insights into how Members of Congress are performing in their duties. By examining how their elected representatives are addressing immigration policy, voters can better advocate for their interests and push for reforms that reflect their concerns over economic fairness and immigration levels. With continued updates, these report cards serve as a tool for accountability among lawmakers, enabling a more informed electorate ready to engage in the political process that defines their communities and their nation.