Pathways to Citizenship

Immigration has never been an abstract political issue for me. I’m the daughter of immigrants, and I have seen firsthand what people can build when they are given an opportunity to work, contribute, and create a life for their families. My parents’ story shaped how I see immigration and why I believe our policies should balance responsibility with basic humanity.Millions of undocumented immigrants are already living, working, raising families, and contributing to communities across the United States. Simply pretending they can all be removed is neither practical nor humane.

I support an earned pathway to citizenship modeled on principles that have been proposed before: registration, background checks, paying taxes and applicable penalties, learning English and civics, and waiting behind those already pursuing legal immigration. DREAMers—young people brought here as children, many of whom have spent nearly their entire lives here—also deserve a realistic opportunity to build a future.

Immigration enforcement must also respect due process. No American citizen or person lawfully present in this country should have to fear being wrongly detained, and undocumented immigrants should still be treated with basic dignity while their cases are resolved.

A Texas state representative does not control ICE or federal immigration law, and I think it is important to be honest about that. But Texas lawmakers do make decisions about how our state and local governments interact with federal enforcement. I support giving communities greater discretion over those relationships and pushing for transparency and humane treatment in detention facilities.

I also believe students who grow up in Texas should have a meaningful, lawful path to affordable higher education regardless of their immigration story.

Ultimately, immigration reform should recognize both responsibility and reality. People willing to follow the rules, contribute to their communities, and earn their place should have a clear path forward.