2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2012: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery in (Smith) Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program and transfers the visas to STEM categories. The visa lottery prgram grants 55,000 visa annually on a random basis to new immigrants. The bills sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). The legislation passed 245-139. (30 Nov. 2012, 11:39 AM).

2012: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Smith) Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program, and transfers the 55,000 yearly visas that would have been granted through the visa lottery into two new priority categories (doctorate and masters degree) under 203(b). For the first two fiscal years of the program, unused visas for which petitions or applications for labor certification have been filed will be added to the total visas for the next fiscal year. Following the first two years, remaining unused visas do not transfer to the next fiscal year. Further, student visas are reformed by adding a new STEM-based F-Visa subsection. This allows for new F-Visa applicants who are pursuing a degree in a STEM category to apply without the previously necessary intent to retain their residence in their home country. The bill received a vote of 257-158, but failed to pass the House because a 2/3rds vote was required for passage. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).

2023: Sponsored H.R. 2827 to add South Korea to the E visa list
Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 2827, the Partner with Korea Act, introduced by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). The legislation would add South Korea to the list of countries eligible for the E visa, awarded to treaty traders and treaty investors. The expansion would be limited to 15,000 each year, plus spouses and children.

2021: Voted in Favor of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to increase guest workers Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would expand the unlimited agricultural guest worker program to include jobs in dairy, meat processing, fish canneries, and more.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 3496 to increase legal immigration Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 3496, the EAGLE Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe. Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would lift per-country caps for employment-based green cards, while also allowing anyone living in the U.S. who has had an approved green card petition for at least 2 years to adjust their status exempt from the numerical limits. Further, it would allow adult children of guest worker visas who have overstayed a visa to obtain a green card.

2021: Cosponsored H.R. 4681 to create an entrepreneurial visa program Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 4681, the LIKE Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would create a new W-1 visa program for entrepreneurs who meet certain ownership and investment requirements.

2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2022: Voted in favor of H.R. 2471 to increase H-2B and EB-5 visas Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 2471, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, introduced by Rep. Hakeem Jefferies (D-N.Y.). The legislation authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to double the number of H-2B low-skill, non-agricultural visas for FY2022. Further, the legislation reauthorizes the EB-5 investor visa program. The legislation was signed into law.

2019: Cosponsored H.R.4623, the Keep STEM Talent Act, to increase unnecessary workers Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R.4623, the Keep STEM Talent Act, introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.). The legislation would exempt from numerical limitations aliens with Masters degrees or higher in a STEM field from U.S. institutions. This would increase legal immigration by 3 million over 10 years.

2020: Voted in favor of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to increase unnecessary foreign workers Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). The legislation would automatically renew all nonimmigrant work permits that would have expired during the Covid-19 national emergency for a length of time equal to original visa. Further, it would also fast-track the admission of foreign health care workers and increase the number of green cards issued each year for the next 3 years by 4,000 for the importation of foreign doctors and nurses.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to expand low-skilled immigration Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would have granted amnesty to approximately 1.5 million illegal farm workers and their families, while waiving many inadmissibility restrictions. It also would have expanded the H-2A guest worker program by setting aside 20,000 visas for year-round work traditionally held by American workers. Further, it would have created 40,000 new green cards for longtime H-2A workers and other low-skilled foreign workers.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, to increase H-2B visas Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that provides funding for the federal government for FY2020. H.R. 1865 included a provision that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to nearly double the available H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2020. Under the same provision, DHS added an additional 30,000 H-2Bs in FY 2019.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 1762, the Partner with Korea Act, to increase unneccessary workers Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 1762, the Partner with Korea Act, introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) . This legislation would add South Korea to the E-visa (Treaty Traders/Investors) list, limiting it to 15,000 a year, not counting spouses and children.

2019: Voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to increase H-2B visas Sen. Himes voted in favor of H.J.Res. 31, the omnibus spending bill. The bill allows for the Secretary of Homeland Security to increase the number of H-2B guest worker visas issued in FY2019.

2018: Voted in favor of the Omnibus Spending Bill to increase H-2B visas Rep. Himes voted in favor of the substitute amendment to H.R. 1625, the omnibus spending bill of 2018. The massive spending bill included a provision that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to double the number of H-2B visas in FY2018.

2017: Voted in favor of increasing foreign worker visas Rep.Himes voted in favor of H.R. 244, the 2017 omnibus spending bill. A provision of the bill allows DHS to raise the H-2B cap by 70,000 in 2017 by excluding returning H-2B workers. The spending bill, and the H-2B provision, covers half of 2017.

2017: Cosponsored legislation to increase foreign worker numbers in 2017 (Roskam) Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 2106, the Partner with Korea Act. This legislation would create 150,000 non-immigrant work visas designated for citizens of South Korea under the E-4 visa program. The work permits are an addition to current levels. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Pete Roskam (R-Ill.).

2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would increase the number of H-2B low-skilled, non-agricultural guest worker visas issued in 2016 from 66,000 to 264,000. The legislation would exempt foreign workers who had received an H-2B visa in any of the past three years from the 2016 cap.

2015: Voted to grant the President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)‚ Rep. Himes voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 2146‚ (NOTE: in order to pass TPA the House of Representatives split the original bill Senate-passed bill H.R. 1314 into two bills, one dealing with Trade Promotion Authority and one dealing with the TransPacific Partnership. As a result, when the legislation came back to the Senate for a final vote, the Senate had to attach the TPA language to another House-originated bill, H.R. 2146 and vote to pass that legislation). This legislation sets up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs‚ H.R. 2146 passed the House by a vote of 218-208.

None

2012: Cosponsored legislation to increase foreign worker imports (Lofgren) Rep. Himes cosponsored legislation that would provide 50,000 work visas to aliens who have a masters degree or higher in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), from a U.S. institution of higher education. Visas that are unused by the end of each financial year continue past the end of the year. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D - Cal.).

2012: Supported a motion to increase foreign worker visas Rep. Himes voted in favor of the motion to recommit H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (Rep. Lamar Smith). The bill also eliminates the visa lottery program that grants 55,00 visas annually on a random basis. This motion was an attempt by House Democrats to remove the visa lottery elimination from the bill. This motion, if passed, would have replaced the STEM Jobs Act with Rep. Zoe Lofgrens H.R. 6412, legislation that adds more than 50,000 employment based visas and NOT ended the visa lottery. The motion failed 157-231 (30 Nov. 2012, 11:31 AM).

2023: Sponsored H.R. 1325 to give work permits to asylum seekers
Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 1325, the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). The legislation would provide work permits to all "non-frivolous" and non-detained asylum seekers 30 days after submitting their asylum claim. Work permits would be valid until the asylum seeker receives a final judicial determination.

2023: Voted against H.R. 2 to reduce Asylum Fraud
Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). The legislation would significantly reduce asylum fraud by strengthening the credible fear standard to ensure that only those who are more than likely to be awarded asylum by an immigration judge are allowed to continue with the asylum process. Further, it would prohibit individuals who cross the border illegally from claiming asylum and prevent asylum seekers from receiving a work permit for one year after entry.

2022: Sponsored H.R. 8685 to grant amnesty to Afghan evacuees Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 8685, the Afghan Adjustment Act, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 75,000 Afghan evacuees and their family members who were paroled into the United States and aren't eligible for other programs offered for translators and others who assisted U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 3800 to expand refugee and asylum numbers Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 3800, the GLOBE Act, introduced by Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.). The legislation would qualify sexual orientation or gender identity under the social groups provision of refugee/asylum law. This change would immediately qualify an estimated 640 million foreign citizens for refugee or asylum status in the U.S.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 4736 to increase the number of Afghan refugees Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 4736, the Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act, introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.). The legislation would extend priority 2 refugee status to approximately 75,000 Afghan refugees who were employed by the U.S. government or a U.S. affiliated NGO.

2021: Sponsored. H.R. 2237, the GRACE Act, to increase refugee admissions Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 2237, the GRACE Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would establish a new floor for refugee admissions at 125,000 per year.

2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 3985 to increase refugee resettlement Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 3985, the Allies Act, introduced by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.). The legislation would reduce the threshold to participate in the Afghan SIV program, significantly increase the eligible pool beyond those who participated in sensitive and trusted activities, and increase the principle alien cap by 8,000.

2020: Cosponsored H.R. 3874, the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act, to increase asylum claims Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 3874, the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act, introduced by Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.). The legislation would eliminate the asylum filing deadline. The deadline requires individuals wishing to file for asylum to do so within 1 year of entering the country. By removing the deadline, it would allow aliens to file for asylum at any time.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 2146 to establish a floor for refugee resettlement Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 2146, the GRACE Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), that would set a floor for refugee resettlement at 95,000 per year.

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 6135, the Keep Families Together Act, to weaken enforcement and increase refugee fraud Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 6135, the Keep Families Together Act, introduced by Rep. Jarrold Nadler (D-N.Y.). The legislation would: 1) severely limit the ability of Customs and Border Protection to detain family units who cross the border illegally, 2) prohibits the prosecution of asylum-seekers for illegal entry until after their asylum claims have been decided, and 3) increase instances of asylum fraud by limiting the feds ability to detain and remove asylum-seekers.

2017: Cosponsored legislation to increase refugee intake (Lofgren) Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 1503, the SOLVE Act 2.0. This legislation would nullify President Donald Trumps Executive Order 13780, which temporarily halted refugee intake from terrorist-producing countries. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Cal).

2017: Cosponsored legislation to increase refugee numbers (Lofgren) Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 724, the SOLVE Act of 2017. This legislation would nullify Executive Order 13769, thereby increasing the refugee cap by 35,000. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Cal.).

2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase refugee resettlement Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would fully fund the refugee resettlement program and include increases in funding to accommodate Pres. Obamas proposal to resettle an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States in 2016.

The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.)

The Laken Riley Act (by Mike Collins, R-GA) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The bill passed 264-159, but was not considered by the Senate which focused on passing its own version, S. 5.)

2024: Voted against H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, to hold the federal government accountable for immigration parole abuse
Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). The legislation would give legal standing to states to sue the federal government over its abuse of parole for apprehended illegal aliens.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 16 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens
Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 16, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to more than 3 million illegal aliens who either would qualify under the DREAM Act or have received Temporary Protected Status.

2023: Voted against H.R. 2 to prevent amnesties for illegal border crossers
Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). The legislation would reduce amnesty by strictly limiting the situations under which an administration can grant parole to illegal aliens.

2021: Voted in Favor of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 2.9 million illegal aliens who claim to have entered the country under the age of 19 and to another 320,000 illegal aliens who have been granted Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure. The bill contains no immigration offsets or enforcement provisions to deter future illegal immigration.

2021: Voted in Favor of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to more than 1 million illegal farm workers, allowing them to apply for permanent status upon working a certain number of hours in agriculture in future years.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 3496 to grant amnesty to legal Dreamers Rep. Himes sponsored H.R. 3496, the EAGLE Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe. Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would allow adult children of guest worker visas who have overstayed their visa to obtain a green card.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 2.9 million illegal aliens who claim to have entered the country under the age of 19 and to another 320,000 illegal aliens who have been granted Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure. The bill contains no immigration offsets or enforcement provisions to deter future illegal immigration.

2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2020: Voted in favor of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to grant a temporary amnesty for illegal workers Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). The legislation would have granted deferred action and work authorization to approximately 2 million illegal aliens currently working in occupations that are considered to be critical infrastructure work.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to grant amnesty to illegal farm workers Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would have granted amnesty to approximately 1.5 million illegal farm workers and their families, while waiving many inadmissibility restrictions. It also would have expanded the H-2A guest worker program by setting aside 20,000 visas for year-round work traditionally held by American workers. Further, it would have created 40,000 new green cards for longtime H-2A workers and other low-skilled foreign workers.

2019: Voted for H.R. 6 mass amnesty on House floor Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6 on the House floor that would have granted amnesty to approximately 4 million illegal aliens. The legislation included the Dream Act, which would have allowed 3.2 million illegal aliens who claim to have entered the country before their 18th birthday and meet certain other requirements to receive amnesty. The legislation also included an amnesty for at least 430,000 foreign citizens (mostly illegal aliens) from countries that have been given Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The bill passed the House by a vote on 237-to-187.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and TPS recipients Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 3.2 million illegal aliens who claim that they came to the United States prior to the age of 18 and meet certain requirements. The legislation would also issue green cards to approximately 430,000 foreign citizens who have received Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Most TPS recipients were in the United States illegally prior to receiving the designation.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 541, the Keep Families Together Act, to expand catch and release Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 541, the Keep Families Together Act, introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.). This legislation would severely limit the ability of Customs and Border Protection to separate children from parents or legal guardians except for the case of: 1) terminated legal rights, 2) child trauma agencies determine its best, or 3) trafficking/not parent/danger of abuse. $10,000 fine for violation. The legislation would also ban the prosecution of asylum seekers who cross the border illegally for improper entry until after their claim has been adjudicated. 180 BAD in Amnesty

2018: Cosponsored amnesty legislation Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 4796, the USA Act of 2018. This legislation would amnesty all illegal aliens who entered the U.S. as minors prior to December 31, 2013. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.).

2017: Cosponsored the Dream Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard to grant amnesty to young illegal aliens Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 3440, the Dream Act of 2017. This legislation would grant amnesty to an estimated 3.3 million young illegal aliens. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.).

2016: Voted against Gosar amendment to FY17 defense spending bill to block amnesty for DACA recipients Rep. Himes voted against Rep. Paul Gosars amendment to the FY17 Defense Appropriations bill. The Gosar amendment would have prohibited funds from being used by the Department of Defense to enlist DACA recipients into the military through the MAVNI program. A vote against was a vote in favor of enlisting illegal aliens into the military. The amendment failed 210-211.

2016: Voted against King amendment to FY17 defense spending bill to block amnesty for DACA recipients Rep. Himes voted against Rep. Steve Kings amendment to the FY17 Defense Appropriations bill. The King amendment would have prohibited funds from being used by the Department of Defense to enlist DACA recipients into the military. A vote against was a vote in favor of enlisting illegal aliens into the military. The amendment failed 207-214.

2015: Voted against Brooks amendment to remove military amnesty from National Defense Authorization Act Rep. Himes voted against an amendment by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) to strip an amnesty provision from the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1735). The provision stripped by the Brooks Amendment would have encouraged the Secretary of Defense to waive military enlistment requirements for illegal aliens who received amnesty through Pres. Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Brooks Amendment passed 221-to-202.

2015: Voted in FAVOR OF funding Executive Amnesties by opposing clean DHS Appropriations bill, H.R. 240 Rep. Himes voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 240, the DHS funding bill passed by the Senate which did not include riders to stop President Obamas unconstitutional Executive Amnesties. Although the House had originally passed H.R. 240 with these riders, the Senate stripped them out, thus fully funding the Executive Amnesties through September 2015. When the House voted on the bill as returned from the Senate, Sen. Himes supported Executive Amnesty by voting in favor of final passage (and consequently for a temporary shut down of DHS). Funding the Presidents illegal amnesties not only made Congress complicit in the Presidents lawless behavior, it also undermined the lawsuit filed by 26 states to stop implementation of the amnesties. If Congress is unwilling to fight to protect its own legislative powers, why should the courts fight on Congresss behalf? The bill passed by a vote of 257-167.

2015: Voted against Aderholt Amendment to H.R. 240 to defund Pres. Obamas Nov. 2014 amnesty Rep. Himes voted against the Aderholt Amendment to H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015. The Aderholt Amendment would defund implementation of all Obama and DHS November 2014 memoranda; defund 4 of the 5 Morton Memos that deal with prosecutorial discretion and detail who ICE agents can and cant deport; and prohibit federal benefits from being given to any illegal alien covered by the November memoranda. The Aderholt Amendment passed by a vote of 237-190.

2015: Voted against Blackburn Amendment to H.R. 240 to defund Pres. Obamas DACA amnesty Rep. Himes voted against the Blackburn Amendment to H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015. The Blackburn Amendment would defund the processing of applications and renewals of President Obamas 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, thus making it impossible for DACA recipients to continue to receive legal status. The Blackburn Amendment passed by a vote of 218-209.

2014: Voted to lock in President Obamas executive Amnesty Rep. Himes cast a crucial YES vote in helping Pres. Obama and Speaker Boehner pass the CRomnibus that appears to fully fund the Obama amnesty through the Social Security Administration, Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies through next September, while funding the Department of Homeland Security part of the amnesty for the next couple of months. Most Democrats voted to kill the spending bill (mainly over other issues in the legislation). The net effect, though, was that Pres. Obama got his amnesty affirmed and funded mainly by a Republican Party that made opposition to amnesty one of the three main planks in their campaigns to take over Congress this fall.

2014: Voted against legislation to end DACA (Blackburn) Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5272, legislation introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackurn to defund DACA. The bill represents a serious effort to address the true cause of the current border crisis: President Obamas contempt for immigration law. The bills language prevents the Obama Administration from expanding the existing illegal DACA amnesty program by using the primary power the Constitution reserves for the House of Representatives, the power of the purse. It prohibits the use of federal funds or resources for any further deferred action or work authorization for illegal aliens. The bill passed 216-192-1 (1 August 2014).

2013: Voted against King Amdt to DHS Appropriations bill to prevent amnesty by prosecutorial discretion Rep. Himes voted against the King amendment to the FY2014 DHS Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2217). This amendment would have prohibited the Department of Homeland Security from using funds appropriated by Congress to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos. The Morton Memos were a series of three memos issued in 2011 that authorized the use of prosecutorial discretion and/or deferred action to provide amnesty to certain illegal aliens, particularly those brought here as children by their illegal alien parents. The amendment, offered by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), passed by a 224-201 vote (6 June 2013).

2010: Voted for the DREAM Act amnesty, which would have rewarded illegal aliens with amnesty.
The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 30 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came illegally to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration. Fortunately, the DREAM Act did not pass.

2009-2010: Cosponsored the DREAM Act, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty (Berman).
Rep. Himes is a cosponsor of H.R. 1741, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2007. H.R. 1741 would grant amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 35 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came (illegally) to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) prevents illegal aliens and other temporary noncitizens (DACA and TPS recipients, parolees, asylees, et al.) from accessing certain federally-funded benefits and imposes a 5% tax on all remittances to foreign countries. (The legislation passed the House 215-214).

The SAVE Act (by Chip Roy, R-TX) would require states to verify the citizenship status of individuals registering to vote in federal elections and to remove non-citizens currently on voter rolls. (The bill passed the House 220-208 and proceeds to the Senate for consideration).
 

2023: Voted against H.J.Res. 24 to disapprove of illegal-alien voting in the District of Columbia
Rep. Himes voted against H.J. Res. 24, introduced by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.). The joint resolution would officially disapprove the the District of Columbia's Council amendment that allows illegal aliens to vote in local elections. The resolution passed the House 260-162.

2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 3154 to increase rewards for illegal immigration Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 3154, the Homeownership for DREAMers Act, introduced by Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), that would prohibit the denial of federal credit mortgage enhancement to DACA recipients, in essence, making them explicitly eligible for all home financing.

2020: Voted in favor of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to provide stimulus checks for illegal aliens Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). The legislation would have allowed illegal aliens to receive economic stimulus checks and required most illegal aliens in detention to be released unless their detention was required by law.

2020: Voted against the Motion to Recommit H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to protect stimulus checks for illegal aliens Rep. Himes voted against the motion to recommit H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act. The motion would remove a provision in the legislation that would allow illegal aliens to retroactively receive the $1,200 stimulus checks that were issued to citizens and legal permanent residents in the CARES Act during the Covid-19 national emergency.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 668, the American Dream Employment Act of 2019 to reward illegal immigration Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 668, the American Dream Employment Act of 2019, introduced by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.). This legislation would allow DACA amnesty recipients to receive House and Senate jobs.

2014: Voted against the Gohmert amendment to prevent housing subsides for illegal aliens Rep. Himes voted against the Gohmert amendment to H.R. 4745, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, of 2015. The amendment would have reduced funding to HUD for an amount equal to what has been spent in the past on Section 8 housing for illegal aliens. The amendment failed 160-266.

2009: Voted against allowing consideration of verification amendments to the health care reform bill Rep. Himes voted in favor of the rule to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Despite high publicity about the big loopholes in the bill allowing illegal aliens to participate in many parts of the new federal healthcare plan, the Rules Committee brought a rule to the House floor that blocked a vote on any amendment giving the Members a chance to close the loopholes. NumbersUSA notified the Members of Congress that a vote FOR the closed rule would be graded as a vote to provide rewards and incentives for illegal immigration. In particular, the rule prevented the House from considering the Heller, Deal, and Wilson verification amendments to the bill. By supporting the rule, Rep. Himes signaled his/her support of a health bill that creates rewards or incentives for illegal immigration. The rule passed 242-192 (7 Nov. 09; 1:33 PM).

2009-2010: Cosponsored the DREAM Act, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty and in-state tuition (Berman).
Rep. Himes is a cosponsor of H.R. 1741, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2007. H.R. 1741 would grant illegal aliens permanent resident status and allow them to pay in-state tuition at Americas public colleges and universities. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

The NO BAN Act (by Judy Chu, D-CA) would strictly limit the president’s broad authority found under 8 USC 1182(f) to stop immigration “whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The bill passed the Senate 51-50 and later passed the House 218-214).

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $70 billion for border security efforts, including $46.5 for the border wall. (The legislation passed the House 215-214).

The Senate-amended FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides between $175 - 200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the House 216-214 and the Senate 51-48).

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the House 217-215, setting up a conference with the Senate).

2023: Voted against H.R. 2 to strengthen border security
Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). The legislation would require DHS to restart border wall construction that has been authorized for and paid for by Congress and strengthen the Secure Fence Act of 2006 by requiring physical barriers along 900 miles of border. The legislation also provides retention bonuses for Border Patrol agents and defunds efforts to resettle illegal border crossers across the country.

2020: Voted in favor of H.R. 5581, the Access to Counsel Act, to hamper border security Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 5581, the Access to Counsel Act, introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). The legislation would require adequate time to access counsel for all aliens referred for secondary inspection at ports of entry. In doing so, it would slow down processing at ports of entry and redirect resources that could otherwise be used for border security.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 2415 to encourage border surges Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 2415, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, introduced by Rep. Primila Jayapal (D-Wash.), that would limit the time that illegal aliens can be detained and weakens the authority of ICE detainers. The bill would require ICE detainer warrants to by issued by immigration judges, prohibit the detention of certain individuals, including illegal aliens under the age of 18, expand the use of alternatives to detention, and prohibit the use of private prisons.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 541, the Keep Families Together Act, to expand catch and release Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 541, the Keep Families Together Act, introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.). This legislation would severely limit the ability of Customs and Border Protection to separate children from parents or legal guardians except for the case of: 1) terminated legal rights, 2) child trauma agencies determine its best, or 3) trafficking/not parent/danger of abuse. $10,000 fine for violation. The legislation would also ban the prosecution of asylum seekers who cross the border illegally for improper entry until after their claim has been adjudicated. 180 BAD in Amnesty

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 6135, the Keep Families Together Act, to weaken enforcement and increase refugee fraud Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 6135, the Keep Families Together Act, introduced by Rep. Jarrold Nadler (D-N.Y.). The legislation would: 1) severely limit the ability of Customs and Border Protection to detain family units who cross the border illegally, 2) prohibits the prosecution of asylum-seekers for illegal entry until after their asylum claims have been decided, and 3) increase instances of asylum fraud by limiting the feds ability to detain and remove asylum-seekers.

2012: Voted in favor of an amendment to hamstring border enforcement in 2012 (Grijalva) Rep. Himes voted in favor of the Grijalva amendment to H.R. 2578, legislation to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This amendment would have stripped provisions that allow the Border Patrol to bypass regulations put in place by the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture on federal lands within 100 miles of the border. The amendments sponsor is Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and it failed 177-247 (19 June 2012).

2012: Supported an amendment to place cell towers on the border (Poe) Rep. Himes supported the Poe Amendment to the FY2013 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would allocate funding for the building of cell phone towers along stretches of the U.S. - Mexico border so that Border Patrol agents and others in trouble can call law enforcement for assistance. The amendment passed by a vote of 302-113 (6 June 2012).

2011: Opposed an amendment to build cell phone towers along the U.S. - Mexico border (Poe) Rep. Himes opposed the Poe Amendment to the FY 2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would allocate funding for the building of cell phone towers along stretches of the U.S. - Mexico border so that Border Patrol agents and others in trouble can call law enforcement for assistance. The amendment passed by a vote of 327-93 (1 June 2011).

2009-2010: Supported an amendment to deter illegal immigration and drug smuggling by removing lookout posts for smugglers.
Rep. Himes supported the King amendment (250) to H.R. 2892, the 2010 DHS appropriations bill. This amendment requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove the lookout posts constructed by drug smugglers, thereby making it more difficult for drug smugglers and reducing illegal immigration associated with illegal drug activity. This amendment passed 240-187-1.

The Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act (by Barry Moore, AL) would make aliens deportable from and inadmissible to the United States if they have a DUI/DWI conviction. The legislation will be considered by the Senate. (The bill passed 246-160 and will be considered by the Senate.)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The bill passed the House 218-214, after passing the Senate 51-50).

The District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act (by Clay Higgins, R-LA) would require Washington, D.C. to share immigration status with federal authorities and to comply with ICE immigration detainers. (The legislation passed 224-194.)

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides more than $80 billion for interior enforcement, including funding for 10,000 additional ICE officers, 100,000 additional beds, additional prosecutors and immigration judges, and funds to apply expedited removal to any alien inadmissible on criminal or security grounds. (The legislation passed the House 215-214).

The Senate-amended FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides between $175 - 200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the House 216-214 and the Senate 51-48).

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the House 217-215, setting up a conference with the Senate).

The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft, assault, and bodily harm; also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.)

The Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (by Nancy Mace, SC) would make aliens deportable from and inadmissible to the United States if they. are convicted of or have admitted to various crimes, including domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, sexual offenses, and violations of certain protection orders. (The bill passed 274-145 and has not yet been considered by the Senate.)

The Laken Riley Act (by Mike Collins, R-GA) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft (burglary, larceny & shoplifting); also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The bill passed 264-159, but was not considered by the Senate which focused on passing its own version, S. 5.)

2023: Voted against H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, to increase interior enforcement
Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). The legislation would give legal standing to states to sue the federal government over its non-enforcement of immigration laws.  The legislation also mandates the detention of illegal aliens for selected crimes.  The legislation passed the House, 251-170.

2024: Voted against H.R. 5717, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act

Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 5717, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, introduced by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY). The legislation bars localities that ignore ICE immigration detainer requests from receiving federal funds that are intended to benefit illegal aliens.

2023: Voted in favor or H.R. 2494 to strengthen interior enforcement
Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 2494, the POLICE Act, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.). The legislation would make attacking a law enforcement officer a deportable offense.

2023: Voted against H.R. 2 to mandate E-Verify and criminalize visa overstays
Rep. Himes voted against H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). The legislation would require most employers to use E-Verify within two years to ensure that new hires are authorized to work in the United States. The legislation provides additional time for agricultural employers to comply. The bill would also make overstaying a visa a felony crime and allow Unaccompanied Alien Children from noncontiguous countries to be returned to their home countries.

2021: Voted in Favor of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would halt enforcement for any illegal alien who could be eligible for the amnesty, regardless of whether the alien has applied or meets the qualifications. Further, it would block ICE access to amnesty applications that are denied.

2021: Voted in Favor of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would halt enforcement efforts against any illegal alien who could qualify for the amnesties regardless if the alien has applied or not.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 2222 to ban detention for illegal aliens Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 2222, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). The legislation would make it the sense of Congress that detention, even for a short period of time, inflicts severe, irreparable harm on children and should be avoided.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would halt enforcement for any illegal alien who could be eligible for the amnesty, regardless of whether the alien has applied or meets the qualifications. Further, it would block ICE access to amnesty applications that are denied.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 2415 to encourage border surges Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 2415, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, introduced by Rep. Primila Jayapal (D-Wash.), that would limit the time that illegal aliens can be detained and weakens the authority of ICE detainers. The bill would require ICE detainer warrants to by issued by immigration judges, prohibit the detention of certain individuals, including illegal aliens under the age of 18, expand the use of alternatives to detention, and prohibit the use of private prisons.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would have granted amnesty to approximately 1.5 million illegal farm workers and their families, while waiving many inadmissibility restrictions. It also would have expanded the H-2A guest worker program by setting aside 20,000 visas for year-round work traditionally held by American workers. Further, it would have created 40,000 new green cards for longtime H-2A workers and other low-skilled foreign workers.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that provides funding for the federal government for FY2020. H.R. 1158 effectively prohibits ICE from cooperating with Health and Human Services to detain or remove illegal alien sponsors of unaccompanied alien children (UACs).

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 3401, the border crisis supplemental funding bill, to facilitate the continued trafficking of children along the Southern border Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 3401 on the House floor. The bill failed to include payroll funding for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who are dealing with the ongoing border crisis. The bill also lacked funding for additional detention space and failed to address the root causes of the border surge, guaranteeing the need for future spending bills.

2019: Voted for H.R. 6 to weaken enforcement on House floor Rep. Himes voted in favor of H.R. 6 on the House floor that would have granted amnesty to approximately 3.6 million illegal aliens. The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately to illegal aliens prima facia, meaning it suspends interior enforcement during the time the amnesty is being granted. The bill passed the House by a vote on 237-to-187.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Himes cosponsored H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 3.6 million illegal aliens prima facia, meaning it suspends interior enforcement during the time the amnesty is being granted.

2019: Voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Himes voted in favor of H.J.Res. 31, the omnibus spending bill. The bill reduces the funding for detention beds used by ICE to detain criminal aliens and recent illegal border crossers. It also provides protection from enforcement and removal for the illegal-alien sponsors and their families of unaccompanied alien children who cross the border illegally. Further, it prevents the hiring of any new ICE agents for Enforcement and Removal Operations.

2015: Weakens interior enforcement by expanding visa waiver program (Heck) Rep. Himes cosponsored Rep. Joe Hecks Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act, H.R.1401, would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive the maximum refusal rate to allow a certain country to qualify for the visa waiver program. The visa waiver program allows citizens from qualifying countries to legally enter the United States without a visa.

2014: Voted Against Amendment to Investigate Release of Illegal Aliens Rep. Himes voted against the King amendment to H.R. 4660, the Commerce, Science, and Justice Appropriations Bill. This amendment would appropriate $5 for the Justice Department to investigate the release of 36,007 illegal aliens with criminal convictions by DHS. The amendment passed 218-193.

2014: Voted against amendment to deprive sanctuary cities of funds Rep. Himes voted against the King amendment to H.R. 4460, the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill. This amendment would deprive sanctuary cities of funds due to them from enforcing federal immigration laws. Sanctuary cities are localities that do not notify federal authorities when illegal aliens are arrested, thereby acting as safe harbors for illegal aliens. The amendment passed 214-194.

2012: Voted against an amendment to protect the 287(g) program (Sullivan) Rep. Himes voted against the Sullivan amendment to the FY2013 DHS Appropriations Bill. The amendment would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from terminating 287(g) agreements. The amendment, offered by Rep. John Sullivan (R-Ok.), passed by a 250-164 vote (7 June 2012).

2011: Opposed an amendment to keep violent illegal aliens in custody (Cravaack) Rep. Himes voted against the Cravaack Amendment to the FY 2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. Rep. Cravaacks amendment would prevent the government from releasing convicted violent or dangerous illegal aliens while they are awaiting deportation. The amendment passed 289-131 (2 June 2011).

2011: Supported an amendment to restrict local enforcement (Polis) Rep. Himes voted in favor of the Polis Amendment to H.R. 2017, the FY2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. Rep. Polis amendment would have removed all funding for the 287(g) program from the bill, thereby preventing DHS from administering the program (effectively killing the 287(g) program). The amendment failed by a vote of 313-107 (2 June 2011).

2011: Voted against an amendment to increase 287(g) funding (Royce) Rep. Himes voted against the Royce Amendment to H.R. 2017, the FY2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would increase funding for the 287(g) program by $1 million (about 18.5%). The amendment passed by a vote of 268-151 (1 June 2011).

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to require DHS contractors to use E-Verify.
Rep. Himes supported the King amendment (253) to H.R. 2892, the DHS appropriations bill. The amendment requires all DHS contractors and subcontractors to use the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. The King Amendment would have essentially implemented an Executive Order signed by President George W. Bush requiring all federal contractors to use E-Verify that has continually been postponed by President Obama. Use of E-Verify is one of the most effective tools at keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The amendment passed 349-84, and the bill was signed into law October 28th, 2009.