Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), issued the following statement after the House Republican Conference met Wednesday afternoon to discuss strategy moving forward as the Lower Chamber prepares to consider immigration reform legislation:

“Wednesday, House Republicans agreed on a very basic set of guidelines that we will utilize as we begin the debate over reforming our immigration system. I was pleased to hear we will avoid bringing up the Senate’s legislation, preferring instead a piecemeal approach that will subject this process to the sunlight of public scrutiny and debate.

“The issue of immigration reform is too important not to get this right, the first time. Thirty years ago, a comprehensive immigration reform package was pushed through Congress with promises of border security that were never enacted – and look where we are today. Arkansas needs a working immigration system to provide a consistent labor force that supports job creation and growth in our state. No matter what kind of bill ultimately makes it to the floor of the House for a vote, I will only support a measure that secures the border first, prevents amnesty, and puts Americans back to work.”

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