22%
D
Reduce Chain Migration
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020)
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to expand chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F- (0%)
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639 which would increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in support of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Menendez Amendment (SA 1194) to S. 1348 to increase near-term legal immigration by more than 100,000 each year by changing the cut-off date for reducing the backlog of family-sponsored immigration applicants from May 1, 2005, to January 1, 2007. The Menendez Amendment failed by a vote of 53 to 44.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to expand chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Clinton Amendment (SA 1183) to S. 1348 to significantly increase legal immigration by adding an unlimited number of spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents to the uncapped immediate relative category that currently is for the spouses, minor children and parents of U.S. citizens only. The spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents currently are allocated some 87,000 visas each year. The Clinton Amendment failed by a vote of 44 to 53.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Akaka Amendment to S. 1348 to increase chain migration by exempting children of Filipino World War II veterans naturalized pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990 from numerical limits on worldwide immigration. The Akaka Amendment passed by a vote of 87 to 9.
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to exempt children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from visa limits (Akaka).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 671, the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act. This bill would have exempted children of Filipino World War II veterans naturalized by the Immigration Act of 1990 from numerical limits on worldwide immigration. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) was the measures main sponsor.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
F- (0%)
2006: Voted on Senate floor in favor of S. 2611 to increase chain migration Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of final passage of S. 2611 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]), a bill to increase chain migration through an annual increase in the family-preference visa cap of 254,000. In addition, S. 2611 includes a one-time-only permanent increase of 105,660 visas for exempt family of unused employment-based visa holders between 2001-2005. S. 2611 passed by a vote of 62 to 36 on May 25
2006: Voted for an increase in chain migration.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2611, which limited debate on the bill to increase chain migration through an annual increase in the family-preference visa cap of 254,000. In addition, S. 2611 includes a one-time-only permanent increase of 105,660 visas for exempt family of unused employment-based visa holders between 2001-2005. A vote to invoke cloture is essentially a vote for the bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 73 to 25.
2006: Voted in favor of procedural move to increase chain migration Sen. Feinstein voted for cloture on SA 3424, a compromise amnesty proposal by Sens. Hagel (R-Neb.) and Martinez (R-Fla.). This was a procedural vote that was highly tied up in partisan politics. Although it is impossible to know just why one voted against cloture
2006: Voted in committee for a proposal to increase chain migration.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a proposal by Committee chair Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) to increase chain migration through an annual increase in the family-preference visa cap of 254,000. In addition, the Specter proposal includes a one-time-only permanent increase of 105,660 visas for exempt family of unused employment-based visa holders between 2001-2005. The Judiciary Committee passed the Specter proposal by a vote of 12 to 6.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
no action
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A (90%)
1996: Voted against the Simpson Amendment to end chain migration.
The Simpson Amendment to S.1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) would have ended chain migration which the Census Bureau projects will double the U.S. population again in the next century. The Senate voted 80-20 to kill the reform sponsored by Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.).
1996: Voted to reduce chain migration via the Feinstein Amendment
The Feinstein Amendment to S. 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) would have significantly reduced chain migration by lowering annual admissions of spouses and minor children of citizens to 480,000 a year. The Feinstein Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), was defeated by a vote of 74 to 26.
1995-1996: Voted in committee to reduce chain migration (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S. 1664 that would have shifted the primary focus of immigration policy to spouses and minor children from extended family. It would have set a ceiling of 330,000 on family-based immigration, thus reducing chain migration. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
95%
A+
Reduce Visa Lottery
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020)
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
A+ (100%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
109th Congress (2005-2006)
no action
108th Congress (2003-2004)
no action
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A (90%)
1996: Voted against the Simpson Amendment to reduce the immigration lottery.
The Simpson amendment to S.1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) would have reduced the annual number of visas allocated to the lottery category from 55,000 to 27,000. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), failed by 80-20 on the Senate floor.
1996: Voted in favor of the Feinstein Amendment to eliminate the immigration lottery
The Feinstein Amendment to S 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) would have eliminated the immigration lottery and significantly reduced chain migration. The Feinstein Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), was defeated by a vote of 74 to 26.
1995-1996: Voted in committee to eliminate the visa lottery (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S.1664 that would have eliminated the visa lottery that awards 50,000 visas a year to aliens without regard to family connections, job qualifications, or humanitarian need. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
24%
D
Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
F- (0%)
2021: Sponsored S. 1024 to increase health care visas Sen. Feinstein sponsored S. 1024, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The legislation would recapture 40,000 supposedly unused visas and provide them to health care workers.
2022: Voted in favor of H.R. 2471 to increase in H-2B and EB-5 visas Sen. Feinstein 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.
116th Congress (2019-2020)
F- (0%)
2020: Voted in favor of H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that would weaken interior enforcement and increase foreign worker visas. The bill reduced funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by $431 million. Further, the bill authorized the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to increase the number of H-2B visas issued during the 2021 fiscal year.
2020: Cosponsored S. 3599, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, to increase green cards for doctors and nurses Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 3599, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, introduced by Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.). The legislation would recapture 40,000 green cards that would otherwise go unused as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and allow for those green cards to be issued to foreign doctors and nurses with applications submitted within 90 days of the end of the Covid-19 national emergency.
2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, to increase H-2B visas Sen. Feinstein 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: Voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to increase H-2B visas Sen. Feinstein 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.
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F (6%)
2017: Voted in favor of increasing foreign worker visas Sen. Feinstein 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.
114th Congress (2015-2016)
F- (0%)
2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Feinstein 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 in favor of H.R. 2146 to grant President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Sen. Feinstein 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 Adjustment Assistance 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 would set 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 Senate by a vote of 60-38.
2015: Voted in favor of granting President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority in 2015 Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 1314. This legislation would set 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. 1314 passed the Senate by a vote of 62-37.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F (8%)
2008: Voted for a committee amendment to triple the H-2B visa cap.
Sen. zzlastnameZZ, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted in favor of Sen. Mikulskis amendment to the Iraq Supplemental bill (H.R. 2642). This amendment triples H-2B cap (temporary, non-agricultural workers) from 66,000 to 198,000. This amendment passed in committee (23-6), but was stripped from the final bill.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing foreign worker importation.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase the importation of both temporary and permanent foreign workers. S. 1639 would increase the importation of temporary foreign workers by 340,000 year and also add 106,877 permanent workers a year for 5 years. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing foreign worker visas.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase importation of temporary and permanent foreign workers. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against reducing foreign worker importation.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to increase importation of temporary and permanent foreign workers. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to sunset guestworker provisions of a bill.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Dorgan Amendment (SA 1316) to S. 1348 to sunset the guestworker provisions of the bill in five years. This was the second vote on the Dorgan Amendment which previously failed by a vote of 48 to 49. This time it passed by a vote of 49 to 48.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to protect American workers.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Durbin Amendment to S. 1348 to ensure that employers make efforts to recruit American workers before hiring foreign workers. The Durbin Amendment passed by a vote of 71 to 22.
2007-2008: Voted in favor of amendment to increase fees on H-1B visas.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Sanders Amendment to S. 1348 increase the fees employers who wish to import H-1B high-skill nonimmigrant workers from $1,500 to $10,000, with the funds going to scholarships for American high tech students. The Sanders Amendment passed by a vote of 59 to 35.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to sunset guestworker provisions of a bill.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Dorgan Amendment to S. 1348 to sunset the guestworker provisions of the bill in five years. The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 48 to 49.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to reduce a proposed guestworker program in a bill.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Bingaman Amendment (SA 1169) to S. 1348. The Bingaman Amendment would reduce the annual importation of workers under the new guestworker programs proposed by S. 1348 from 400,000 to 200,000 workers per year. The Bingaman Amendment passed by a vote 74 of 24.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to remove a proposed guestworker program in a bill.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Dorgan Amendment to S. 1348 to delete the provisions of S. 1348 that would create a new guestworker program for up to 600,000 foreign workers annually. The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 31 to 64.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
D- (19%)
2006: Voted in favor of a bill that rewarded illegal aliens with amnesty.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of final passage of S. 2611, which includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). S. 2611 passed by a vote of 62 to 36.
2006: Voted for an amendment to cap employment-based visas.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Bingaman Amendment to S. 2611, which caps the number of employment-based visas for workers, spouses and children at 650,000. Robert Rector of the Heritage Foundation estimates that the Bingaman Amendment would reduce employment-based visas available under S. 2611 by about 150,000 a year. The Bingaman Amendment passed by a vote of 51 to 47.
2006: Voted for an amendment to limit a proposed guestworker program.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Dorgan Amendment to S. 2611, which limits the proposed H-2C guestworker program to five years instead of 10 years. This would have reduced the number of new guestworkers under S. 2611 from two million to one million (200,000 per year for five years instead of 10 years). The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 48 to 49.
2006: Voted for increasing foreign worker visas.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2611, which would have limited debate on the bill to increase foreign worker importation by approximately 600,000 visas per year. A vote to invoke cloture is essentially a vote for the bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 73 to 25.
2006: Voted against an amendment that increases guestworker visas.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Hutchison Amendment to S. 2611, which creates a Secure Authorized Foreign Employee (SAFE) visa for nationals of a NAFTA or CAFTA. Its effect would have been to create an unnecessary guestworker visa category. The Hutchison Amendment failed by a vote of 31 to 67.
2006: Voted to increase greencards for foreign workers.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to table the Kyl amendment (SA 3969) to S. 2611. The Kyl amendment would have prevented 200,000 guestworkers a year from adjusting to lawful permanent resident status on the basis of their status as a guestworker. This would have resulted in 2 million less greencards over a decade. The motion to table the Kyl amendment passed by a vote of 58 to 35, effectively killing the amendment.
2006: Voted for an amendment to weaken worker protections.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Kennedy amendment (SA 4066) to S. 2611. The Kennedy amendment weakens Sen. Cornyns amendment (SA 3965) by not requiring Federal certification of the employers need to import foreign workers. The Kennedy amendment passed by a vote of 56 to 43.
2006: Voted against an amendment to increase worker protections.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Cornyn amendment (SA 3965) to S. 2611, which provides modest protections to American workers by requiring employers to employ aliens in the position they were hired for and requiring DHS to certify that there is, in fact, a labor shortage in that particular field before visas are made available. The Cornyn amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 48.
2006: Voted against killing an amendment that would cap guestworker visas.
Sen. Feinstein voted against a motion to table the Bingaman Amendment (SA 3981) to S. 2611. The Bingaman Amendment would cap the number of H-2C visas available annually for issuance at 200,000 and remove the 20%-a-year increase in annual guestworker visas. This would reduce the 10-year increase in foreign workers and their dependents from 8.4 million, as provided in the original bill, to two million. The motion to table the Bingaman amendment failed by a vote of 18 to 79 and the Bingaman amendment ultimately passed by voice vote.
2006: Voted against killing an amendment that would strike guestworker provisions.
Sen. Feinstein voted against a motion to table the Dorgan Amendment (SA 4017) to S. 2611. The Dorgan amendment would have stricken the guestworker provisions of the bill that would add an estimated 8.4 million foreign workers and their dependents over the next ten years (according to a May, 2006 study by the Heritage Foundations Robert Rector). The motion to table passed by a voted of 68 to 29, effectively killing the amendment.
2006: Voted in favor of procedural move to increase forweign worker importation Sen. Feinstein voted for cloture on SA 3424, a compromise amnesty proposal by Sens. Hagel (R-Neb.) and Martinez (R-Fla.). This was a procedural vote that was highly tied up in partisan politics. Although it is impossible to know just why one voted against cloture
2006: Voted in committee in favor of proposal to increase foreign worker visas As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a proposal by Committee chair Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) to increase foreign workers visas. The Specter proposal includes an annual increase in employment-based visas of 754,660. As well, it includes a one-time-only permanent increase of 90,000 unused employment-based visas (2001-2005). The Specter proposal also includes an annual increase in H-1B workers visas of at least 500
2005-2006: Voted against Byrd Amendment that would prevent additional foreign-worker importation
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Byrd Amendment to the Budget Reconciliation bill. The Byrd Amendment would have stripped a provision to increase permanent, employement-based immigration by as many as 366,000 annually. The Byrd Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), failed by a vote of 14 to 85 on November 3, 2005 (2:16 PM).
2005-2006: Voted in committee in favor of amendment (Sessions) to increase worker visa fees
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Sessions Amendment to the Specter Budget Reconciliation Plan that was attached to the Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005, S. 1932. The Sessions Amendment was a substitute amendment to increase L-1 fees by 1,500. The Sessions Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), failed by a vote of 7 to 11.
2005-2006: Voted in committee in favor of amendment (Feinstein) to cut in half proposal to import additional foreign workers in 2005
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of the Feinstein Amendment to the Specter Budget Reconciliation Plan that was attached to Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005. The Feinstein Amendment cut the additional H-1B visas proposed in the Specter proposal in half (from 60,000 to 30,000) and added a 750 fee on L-1 visas. The Feinstein Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), passed by a vote of 10-5.
2005-2006: Voted in committee in favor of amendment (Hatch) to increase overall immigration fees by 5 percent
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of the Hatch Amendment to the Specter Budget Reconciliation Plan that was attached to Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005. The Hatch Amendment was a substitute amendment of House bill to increase overall immigration fees by 5 percent. It would have effectively stripped the overall immigration increase from the budget reconciliation bill. The Hatch Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), failed by a vote of 5-11.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A+ (100%)
2003-2004: Cosponsored resolution to reduce foreign worker importation (Sessions).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. Res. 211, expressing the sense of the Senate that the free trade agreements are not the vehicle to enact or change immigration legislation. S. Res. 211, spnosoredy by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), was passed by the Senate on Unanimous Consent.
2003-2004: Voted against worker importation program in Singapore free trade agreement (DeLay). Sen. Feinstein voted against H.R. 2739, the Singapore free trade agreement, that permits an unlimited number of workers from Singapore to enter the U.S. each year as treaty traders or investors* who are coming to the U.S. to carry on trade between the U.S. and Singapore or to *establish, develop, administer or provide advice or key technical services* to the operations of a business in which they have invested capital. The Singapore Free Trade Agreement, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed the Senate by a vote of 66-32.
2003-2004: Voted against a bill to increase foreign-worker importation (DeLay).
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Chile Free Trade Agreement, H.R. 2738 that permits an unlimited number of workers in Chile to enter the U.S. on L-1 visas. H.R. 2738, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed the Senate by a vote of 66-31.
2003-2004: Voted against bill for unlimited worker visas (Grassley).
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee against the Chile and Singapore free trade agreements that provide for unlimited tech and professional work visa with indefinite extensions and no protections for American workers. The trade agreements, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 11-4.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
106th Congress (1999-2000)
F- (0%)
2000: Voted for a bill to grant visas to foreign workers.
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of S.2045 (the Abraham bill). This legislation would nearly triple the number of H-1B visas annually and grant virtual permanent residency to H-1B visas holders and their families. S.2045, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 16-2.
2000: Cosponsored a foreign worker bill that lacked anti-fraud measures (Hatch).
Sen.Feinstein cosponsored S.2045, the Abraham foreign worker bill, which nearly triples the number of foreign high-tech workers. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was the main sponsor of this bill. The bill passed the Senate 96-1.
105th Congress (1997-1998)
C- (42%)
1998: Voted for an amendment to forbid firing an American worker to hire an foreign worker.
Sen. Feinstein voted for the Kennedy Amendment (A-2418) to S.1723 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) that would have protected American workers from being fired and replaced by a foreign worker (H-1B visa holder). The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), was defeated 38-60.
1998: Voted for a bill to nearly doubling hi-tech worker visas.
Sen. Feinstein helped the Senate pass S.1723 in a 78-20 vote. Enacted into law, it increased by nearly 150,000 the number of foreign workers high-tech American companies could hire over the next three years even though U.S. firms were laying off thousands of workers at the time. The primary sponsor was Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.).
1998: Voted for an amendment to require offering jobs to Americans first.
Senator Feinstein voted for the Kennedy amendment (A-2417) to S.1723 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) that would have required U.S. firms applying for H-1B visas to check a box on a form attesting that they had first sought an American worker for the job. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), failed 39-59.
1998: Voted for an amendment to reduce worker importation programs.
Sen. Feinstein, with 9 other Senators, voted for the Feinstein amendment to reduce the length of the H1B program from 5 years to 3, arguing that this program should be a short-term solution to the current worker shortage in the high-tech industry. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), was defeated by a two-vote margin.
1998: Voted for the Kennedy-Feinstein Amendment to protect American workers.
The Kennedy-Feinstein Amendment to S.1723 would have accomplished two important goals, preventing lay-offs of American workers prior to hiring an H1B employee and requiring that employers demonstrate they had taken timely and effective steps to hire a qualified American. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) , failed 8-10.
1998: Voted for bill to increase foreign worker importation without protecting American workers.
Sen. Feinstein was part of the majority in the Senate Judiciary Committee that voted to send S.1723 to the floor of the Senate without safeguards for American workers. The primary sponsor was Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.).
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A+ (100%)
1995-1996: Voted in committee to eliminate visas for unskilled workers (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S. 1664 that would have eliminated visas for unskilled workers. It would have increased the number of skilled worker visas available by almost 10,000 however, since neither actual nor projected admissions reach even the current ceiling, the higher ceiling would have had no impact on admissions. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
29%
D
Refugees & Asylees
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
no action
2021: Sponsored S. 2032 to increase Afghan SIV admissions Sen. Feinstein sponsored S. 2032, the Afghan Allies Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). The legislation would expand the Afghan, including and increase to the cap from 26,500 to 46,500 and extending the program until 2024.
116th Congress (2019-2020)
F- (0%)
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Cosponsored S. 1733, the Protecting Families and Improving Immigration Procedures Act, to encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1733, the Protecting Families and Improving Immigration Procedures Act, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The bill would: 1) prevent the separation of families within 100 miles of the border, 2) call for limited detention of family units, 3) lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement that requires the feds to release minors within 20 days, 4) appoint taxpayer-funded attorneys for UACs in removal proceedings, and add 75 immigration judges.
2019: Voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Feinstein voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
2019: Cosponsored S. 292, the Keep Families Together Act, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 292, the Keep Families Together Act of 2019. This legislation would effectively bar the removal of a child from a parent within 100 miles of the border, creating a large incentive for more illegal aliens to attempt to come to the United States and take advantage of children to do so.
2019: Cosponsored S. 388, the Families, Not Facilities Act, introduced by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 388, the Families, Not Facilities Act of 2019. It would transfer $220 million to the Department of Justice, Office of Refugee Resettlement, and Administration for Children and Families. In doing so, the legislation would encourage additional UACs and family units to cross the border illegally.
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F- (0%)
2017: Cosponsored legislation nullifying Pres. Trumps Refugee Resettlement executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 608. This legislation would nullify Pres. Trumps Jan. 27, 2017 executive order that reduced the refugee cap from 85,000 to 50,000 for FY17. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
2017: Cosponsored legislation to nullify President Trumps refugee executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 274. This legislation would nullify Executive Order 13769, thereby increasing the refugee cap by 35,000. The legislations main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.).
2017: Cosponsored legislation to nullify President Trumps refugee executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 240. This legislation would nullify Executive Order 13769, thereby increasing the refugee cap by 35,000. The legislations main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
F- (0%)
2015: Cosponsored legislation to increase Refugee Resettlement (Graham) Sen. Feinstein has cosponsored S. 2145, the Middle East Refugee Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill would provide funding to increase the number of refugees resettled in the United States each year from an average of 70,000 to 100,000 per year. The bill was introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-Ariz.).
2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase refugee resettlement Sen. Feinstein 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.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase refugee and asylum fraud (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase refugee fraud (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
109th Congress (2005-2006)
no action
108th Congress (2003-2004)
no action
107th Congress (2001-2002)
A (94%)
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to reduce refugee and asylum fraud (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1627 to require applicants for refugee and asylee status to have biometric identifiers. This would help reduce the number of applicants who are denied refugee status but then fail to leave the country. The primary sponsor was Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A+ (100%)
1995-1996: Voted in committee to reduce refugee admissions (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S. 1664 that would limit refugee admissions to 75,000 in fiscal year 1997 and 50,000 thereafter. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
0%
F-
Reduce Amnesty Enticements
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020)
F- (0%)
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Feinstein voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
2019: Cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act, introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act. This legislation would give Legal Permanent Residency to all foreign citizens (mostly illegal aliens) who have received Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure, including those removed or deported pursuant to a voluntary departure order. Approximately 440,000 foreign citizens would receive LPR status under this bill.
2019: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to Ag workers (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 175, the Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2019. This legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 3 million agricultural workers. The bill would also prevent prosecution of illegal aliens who receive the amnesty from identity theft if they used a stolen social security number to obtain a job. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F- (0%)
2018: Voted in favor of the McCain-Coons amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein voted for an amendment offered by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The McCain-Coons amendment would grant amnesty to an estimated 3.2 million young-adult illegal aliens. The amendment failed 52-to-47 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein voted for the amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have granted amnesty to an estimated 1.8 million young-adult illegal aliens and granted a defacto amnesty to another 850,000 illegal aliens by protecting them from deportations. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2017: Cosponsoring legislation to amnesty Dreamers Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S 1615, the Dream Act of 2017. This legislation would grant amnesty to illegal aliens who came to the United States when they were under 18 years of age and who have been in the United States for 4 consecutive years. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration and would amnesty more than 3 million illegal aliens.
2017: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to Ag workers (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1034, the Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2017. This legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 3 million agricultural workers. The bill would also prevent prosecution of illegal aliens who receive the amnesty from identity theft if they used a stolen social security number to obtain a job. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
2017: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to illegal aliens (Graham) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 128, the BRIDGE Act. This legislation would codify Pres. Obamas unconstitutional executive DACA amnesty by granting provisional protected presence status to illegal aliens who received the DACA amnesty or who would qualify for DACA. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
F- (0%)
2015: Voted in favor of Attorney General nominee who supports amnesty Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of Loretta Lynchs confirmation as Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General, the top law enforcement office in the country, is a position that should be reserved for qualified individuals with the utmost regard for the rule of law. Unfortunately, while Ms. Lynch served honorably as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, she indicated during the confirmation process that she did not have that regard for duly enacted immigration laws. She deemed reasonable President Obamas unprecedented and unconstitutional amnesties. Her dismissive attitude about the seriousness of enforcing immigration laws was largely explained in her initial answer to Senate questioning about whether the priority for U.S. jobs should be that they go to unlawfully present foreign workers or to legal workers of our nation. Ms. Lynch answered that everybody should be getting U.S. jobs regardless of their legal status, despite the fact that the primary purpose of immigration laws is to protect vulnerable American workers. As a result, NumbersUSA took an unusual step and scored the vote for the confirmation of Ms. Lynch as a vote against against the rule of law, and against the interests of American workers. Ms. Lynch was confirmed by a vote of 56 to 43.
2015: Voted in FAVOR OF McConnell substitute amendment to H.R. 240 to fund Executive Amnesties Sen. Feinstein voted in FAVOR OF the McConnell amendment to substitute the text of HR 240 with language that would provide full and unrestricted funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal Executive Amnesties. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. Voting in favor of the McConnell substitute amendment was a vote against protecting struggling American workers who will have to compete for scarce jobs with millions of unlawful immigrants. It was also a vote to cede Congress constitutional powers to a President who has shown absolute disdain for the rule of law and the separation of powers at the very core of our Constitution. Senators cannot expect the judicial branch to reclaim the legislative powers for which they are unwilling to fight. The McConnell Amendment passed by a vote of 66 to 33.
2015: Voted FOR Executive Amnesty by voting against Sessions/Lee motion to allow possibility of de-funding Executive Amnesty in DHS Appropriations Sen. Feinstein voted against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree on H.R. 240. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. As part of this deal, Majority Leader McConnell filled the amendment tree in order to provide full funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal amnesties and block all other amendments to H.R. 240. This was especially outrageous given that Leader McConnell promised to restore regular order and an open amendment process when he became Senate Leader in January 2015. In response, Senators Sessions (R-AL) and Lee (R-UT) filed a motion to table the amendment tree, thus allowing amendments to the bill and the possibility of restoring the de-funding language. Thus, a vote against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree was a vote for amnesty and lawlessness a vote against the open process. The Sessions/Lee motion to table failed by a vote of 34 to 65.
2015: Voted against SECOND Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Feinstein voted against the SECOND cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 53 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).
2015: Voted against THIRD Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Feinstein voted against the THIRD cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 52 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).
2015: Voted against FIRST Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to de-fund Executive Amnesty Sen. Feinstein voted against a cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 51-48.
2015: Voted AGAINST FOURTH Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to defund Executive Amnesty Sen. Feinstein voted AGAINST cloture to allow the Senate to proceed to debate on H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty that would provide legal status and work permits for up to 5 million illegal aliens. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 240 in January 2015 by a vote of 236-191. Despite campaign statements from several Democratic Senators in November 2014 opposing Executive Amnesty, none of the Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to come to the Senate floor for debate because it contains language de-funding the amnesties. President Obama has repeatedly said he will veto any legislation that defunds his Executive Amnesties, including a DHS Appropriations bill. As a reminder, DHS was only funded on a short-term (3 months) basis during the CROmnibus spending fight in December 2014 to allow Republicans to attempt to de-fund Executive Amnesty once they took control of the House and Senate in the 114th Congress. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 unless the Senate passes an Appropriations bill and sends it to the Presidents desk, forcing him to decide if he will shut down DHS funding in order to protect his Executive Amnesties. The vote on the FOURTH motion to proceed to debate failed by a vote of 47 - 46 (60 votes required for passage).
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
None
2013: Voted in favor of an amendment designed to pass overall amnesty bill (Schumer-Corker-Hoeven) Sen.Feinstein voted in favor of the Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment to S. 744, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty legislation. This amendment was a political ploy by pro-amnesty Senators to pass a bill (S. 744) that was otherwise headed for defeat. As such, a vote in favor of the amendment is graded here as a vote in favor of the full S. 744 amnesty. The Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment promised a so-called border surge after 11-18 million illegal aliens receive legal protected status, work permits, and de facto amnesty. In fact, however, the amendment would weaken current law (calling for entry-exit system at only airports and seaports as opposed to all ports of entry and calling for single layer border fencing as opposed to double-layer fencing) and weaken the already-loose enforcement provisions of S. 744 by setting up a rolling amnesty for future visa overstayers. The amendment was designed to give cover to Senators who could claim they supported strong border security amendments by voting for the amendment and then voting for final passage of the bill. The amendment passed 67-27 (24 June 2013).
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
F- (0%)
2011: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S 952, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2011. S 952 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.
111th Congress (2009-2010)
F- (0%)
2010: Voted in favor the DREAM Act, 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.
2010: Voted in favor the DREAM Act, 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 AgJOBS, which rewards illegal immigration by granting amnesty (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1038, which encourages more illegal immigration by rewarding certain illegal aliens who work in agriculture with amnesty. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2009-2010: Cosponsored the DREAM Act, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty (Durbin).
Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S. 729, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2007. S. 729 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. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) is the main sponsor of this bill.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F- (0%)
2008: Voted in favor of agricultural amnesty for illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein voted as a Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee in favor of an amendment to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008. The amendment, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and titled Emergency Agriculture Relief, was an agricultural amnesty. The amendment would require the Department of Homeland Security to grant emergency agricultural worker status (i.e., amnesty) for up to five years to as many as 1.35 million illegal aliens, plus their spouses and children, if the illegal alien met certain minimal criteria. The amendment was passed by the Committee by a vote of 17 to 12, but it was eventually removed from the final bill.
2007-2008: Voted in favor of the DREAM Act amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2205, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2007. S. 2205 would reward up to 2.1 million illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 52 to 44.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of rewarding illegal aliens with amnesty.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would reward up to six million illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of passing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.
2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against reducing amnesties for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to bar certain criminals from amnesty.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1184) to S. 1385 to bar criminal aliens from receiving amnesty. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff has estimated that 15% of illegal aliens are criminals. The Cornyn Amendment failed by a vote of 46 to 51.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to strip amnesty provisions from a bill.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Vitter Amendment to strip the amnesty provisions from S. 1348. The Vitter Amendment failed by a vote of 29 to 66..
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Durbin).
S. 774 would reward illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with amnesty. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would qualify for this amnesty. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) is the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Cosponsored AgJOBS to reward illegal agricultural workers with amnesty (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S. 340 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which grants amnesty to illegal aliens working in the agricultural field (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S. 237 to encourage more illegal immigration by rewarding certain illegal aliens who work in agriculture with amnesty. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to create a disincentive to apply for amnesty.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1250) to S. 1348 to discourage applicants from applying for amnesty by eliminating the provisions protecting the confidentiality of the information contained in amnesty applications and, instead, requires the sharing of application-related information upon the request of a law enforcement agency, intelligence, or national security agency, or DHS component when requested in connection with a duly-authorized investigation of a civil violation. The Cornyn Amendment passed by a vote of 57 to 39.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
F- (5%)
2006: Voted on Senate floor in favor of S. 2611 to reward illegal aliens with amnesty Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of final passage of S. 2611 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) which includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). S. 2611 passed by a vote of 62 to 36 on May 25, 2006 (5:39 PM).
2006: Voted for amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2611, which includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). A vote to invoke cloture is essentially a vote for the bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 73 to 25.
2006: Voted in favor of amendment to reward 2 million illegal aliens with amnesty Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Feinstein Amendment to S. 2611 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) to create an orange card that would allow an estimated two million illegal aliens to pay a fine. The amendment failed by a vote of 37 to 61.
2006: Voted against an amendment to end amnesty provisions.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Vitter amendment (SA 3963) to S. 2611, which removes provisions authorizing the earned legalization and agricultural worker amnesty schemes that would grant amnesty to an estimated 16 million illegal aliens and their families (according to a May, 2006 study by the Heritage Foundations Robert Rector). The Vitter amendment failed by a vote of 33 to 66.
2006: Voted against an amendment that postpones amnesty.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Cornyn amendment to S. 2611 to prohibit DHS from implementing the amnesty provisions of S. 2611 unless the agency has certified that this bills border security measures are fully operational. The Cornyn Amendment failed by a vote of 40-55.
2006: Voted in favor of procedural move to amnesty illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein voted for cloture on SA 3424, a compromise amnesty proposal by Sens. Hagel (R-Neb.) and Martinez (R-Fla.). This was a procedural vote that was highly tied up in partisan politics. Although it is impossible to know just why one voted against cloture
2006: Voted in committee for a proposal to reward illegal aliens with amnesty.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a proposal by Committee chair Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) to reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The Specter proposal includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). The Judiciary Committee passed the Specter proposal by a vote of 12 to 6.
2005-2006: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Durbin).
S. 2075 would reward illegal aliens under the age of 21, who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above, with amnesty. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would qualify for this amnesty. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of this bill. The bill died in the Judiciary Committee.
2005-2006: Voted against amnesty for agricultural workers
Sen. Feinstein voted not to invoke cloture, a procedural move requiring 60 votes to limit debate and ensure a vote on the AgJOBS amnesty amendment, introduced by Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), to the Iraq supplemental spending bill. This effectively kept the amnesty for up to 3 million illegal aliens off the final bill. The Senate voted 53 to 45 not to invoke cloture on April 19, 2005.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
F- (0%)
2003-2004: Voted for DREAM Act, to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Hatch).
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee for S. 1545 to reward certain college-age illegal aliens with amnesty. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Cosponsored DREAM Act to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Hatch).
S. 1545 would have rewarded illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with amnesty. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would have qualified for this amnesty. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was the primary sponsor.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
F- (0%)
2002: Cosponsored bill to reward illegal aliens minors with amnesty (Kennedy)
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2444 to reward any illegal alien minor with amnesty if a judge declares that deportation is not in their best interest. The bills primary sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill allowing illegal aliens to pay a fine and change to a legal status (Hagel).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 778 to extend the Section 245(i) amnesty for one year. This is an amnesty that allows certain illegal aliens to pay a fine and adjust their status to legal status. The primary sponsor was Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.).
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
F- (0%)
1998: cosponsored a bill to grant amnesty to 50,000 illegal aliens and their families from Haiti (Graham).
S.1504 granted amnesty to 50,000 illegal aliens from Haiti who came to the U.S. before December 31, 1995. It also granted amnesty to their spouses and children, bringing the total number of Haitians to be amnestied to about 125,000. This provision was slipped quietly into an omnibus appropriations bill, and was fully endorsed by President Clinton who signed it into law. The main sponsor of S.1504 was Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.).
104th Congress (1995-1996)
no action
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
No Action
Limit Birthright Citizenship
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020)
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
no action
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
109th Congress (2005-2006)
no action
108th Congress (2003-2004)
no action
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
no action
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
12%
F
Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
no action
2021: Sponsored S. 2081 to expand Pell Grants to illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein sponsored S. 2081, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021, introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). The legislation would extend federal Pell grants to illegal aliens who qualify under the Dream Act.
2021: Voted against Amdt. 54 to S. Con. Res. 5 to block stimulus payments to illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein voted against Amendment #54, introduced by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have blocked stimulus payments from going to illegal aliens. The amendment was approved 58-42.
116th Congress (2019-2020)
no action
2019: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to Ag workers (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 175, the Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2019. This legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 3 million agricultural workers. The bill would also prevent prosecution of illegal aliens who receive the amnesty from identity theft if they used a stolen social security number to obtain a job. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
2017: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to Ag workers (Feinstein) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1034, the Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2017. This legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 3 million agricultural workers. The bill would also prevent prosecution of illegal aliens who receive the amnesty from identity theft if they used a stolen social security number to obtain a job. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
F (6%)
2011: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty and in-state tuition Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S 952, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2011. S 952 would allow illegal aliens 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.
111th Congress (2009-2010)
F (6%)
2010: Voted against an amendment that supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By opposing the amendment, Sen. Feinstein has decided illegal aliens should not be punished for living and working illegally in the United States.
2010: Voted against an amendment that supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By opposing the amendment, Sen. Feinstein has decided illegal aliens should not be punished for living and working illegally in the United States.
2009-2010: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which rewards illegal immigration by giving illegal agricultural workers blue card status (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1038 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status and later giving them and their families full residency. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. Feinstein opposed the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 627, The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009. The amendment would have required the banks that issue credit cards to ensure that those granted credit cards are in the United States legally by obliging the banks to verify the identity of applicants using REAL ID-compliant documents. By opposing this amendment the Senator helped illegal aliens remain in the United States. The amendment failed 28-65.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. Feinstein opposed the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 627, The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009. The amendment would have required the banks that issue credit cards to ensure that those granted credit cards are in the United States legally by obliging the banks to verify the identity of applicants using REAL ID-compliant documents. By opposing this amendment the Senator helped illegal aliens remain in the United States. The amendment failed 28-65.
2009-2010: Cosponsored the DREAM Act, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty and in-state tuition (Durbin).
Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S. 729, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2007. S. 729 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. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F- (0%)
2008: Voted for an amendment to reward illegal aliens with amnesty.
Sen. Feinstein voted as a Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee in favor of an amendment to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008. The amendment, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and titled Emergency Agriculture Relief would have rewarded illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. The amendment was passed by the Committee by a vote of 17 to 12 but it was eventually removed from the final bill.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to eliminate rewards for illegal immigration.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Coburn Amendment (SA 1311) to S. 1348 to prohibit in-state tuition for illegal aliens and sanctuary cities for illegal aliens. The Coburn Amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 54.
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with in-state tuition (Durbin).
S. 774 would reward illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Cosponsored AgJOBS to reward illegal agricultural workers with amnesty (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein is a cosponsor of S. 340 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein was a cosponsor of S. 237 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
F (15%)
2006: Voted to kill an amendment to prevent Social Security for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of a motion to table the Ensign amendment (SA 3985) to S. 2611. The Ensign amendment would have prohibited the payment of Social Security benefits for many illegal aliens. The motion to table the Ensign amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 49, effectively killing the amendment.
2005-2006: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with in-state tuition (Durbin).
S. 2075 would have rewarded illegal aliens under the age of 21, who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above, with in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of the bill. The bill died in the Judiciary Committee.
2005-2006: Voted to not to shield illegal aliens from prosecution for Social Security fraud
Sen. Feinstein voted not to invoke cloture, a procedural move requiring 60 votes to limit debate and ensure a vote on the AgJOBS amnesty amendment, introduced by Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), to the Iraq supplemental spending bill. This effectively kept the amnesty, which would reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud off the final bill. The Senate voted 53 to 45 not to invoke cloture on April 19, 2005.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
F (6%)
2003-2004: Voted for DREAM Act, to reward illegal aliens with in-state tution and amnesty (Hatch).
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee for S. 1545 to encourage illegal immigration by granting in-state tuition rates to certain college-age illegal aliens. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Cosponsored DREAM Act to reward illegal aliens with in-state tuition (Hatch).
S. 1545 would have rewarded illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), did not come to a vote.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A+ (100%)
1996: Voted in favor of bill that denied illegal aliens in-state tuition (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) that denied illegal aliens in-state tuition, in addition to almost all forms of federal welfare.
1995-1996: Voted in committee to deny illegal aliens in-state tuition (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S. 1664 to deny illegal aliens in-state tuition, in addition to almost all forms of federal welfare. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
38%
C-
Strengthen Border Security
118th Congress (2023-2024)
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022)
F- (0%)
2021: Voted against Amdt. 872 to S. Con. Res. 5 to fund border security and interior enforcement Sen. Feinstein voted against Amendment #872, introduced by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have provided funding for border security and interior enforcement. The amendment failed 50-50.
2021: Voted against Amdt. 651 to S. Con. Res. 5 to end catch-and-release Sen. Feinstein voted against Amendment #651, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have ended the practice of catch-and-release at the border. The amendment failed 50-50.
2021: Voted against Amdt. 542 to S. Con. Res. 5 to provide border fence funding Sen. Feinstein voted against Amendment #542, introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have provided funding for border fence construction. The amendment failed 50-50.
2022: Voted against S.J. Res. 46 to disapprove of asylum rule Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S.J.Res. 46 introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.). The legislation would formally disapprove of the Biden Administration rule to allow asylum officers to grant asylum to illegal border crossers at the border.
2021: Voted against Amdt. 687 to S. Con. Res. 5 to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy Sen. Feinstein voted against Amendment #687, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the Remain in Mexico policy. The amendment failed 50-50.
116th Congress (2019-2020)
F- (0%)
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Cosponsored S. 1733, the Protecting Families and Improving Immigration Procedures Act, to encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1733, the Protecting Families and Improving Immigration Procedures Act, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The bill would: 1) prevent the separation of families within 100 miles of the border, 2) call for limited detention of family units, 3) lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement that requires the feds to release minors within 20 days, 4) appoint taxpayer-funded attorneys for UACs in removal proceedings, and add 75 immigration judges.
2019: Voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Feinstein voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
2019: Cosponsored S. 326, the RAIDER Act, introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 326, the RAIDER Act. This legislation would block President Trumps national emergency and block the construction of the border wall.
2019: Cosponsored S. 263, the FACE Act, introduced by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), to weaken border security Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 263, the FACE Act of 2019. This legislation would ban the Trump Administration from starting the border wall on private land until all landowners get their payments for it and until stakeholders of State land have signed off on the plan. It also requires consultation with all possible affected local groups and agencies and publishing of plans.
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F- (0%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken border security Sen. Feinstein voted for the amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have appropriated some funding for border security, but limited the ability of Customs and Border Patrols role in enforcement. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2017: Cosponsored legislation nullifying Pres. Trumps border security EO (Carper) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 725. This legislation would nullify Pres. Trumps Jan. 25, 2017 executive order that improves border security and strengthens interior enforcement. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
2015: Voted against McCain amdt to S. Con. Res. 11 to support expedited removal of illegal aliens Sen. Feinstein voted against the McCain amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res 11. Sen. McCains original amendment called for the expedited removal of unaccompanied minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Those three countries were the source of the unprecedented border surge along the U.S.-Mexico border during the summer of 2014. But his original amendment also included a provision that would allow for the creation of in-country processing of refugees in those three countries. After NumbersUSA pointed out to Senators that the Central American migrants are not fleeing government persecution, and so do not qualify as refugees, but are instead seeking the benefits of the Presidents rewriting of our immigration law, Sen. McCain removed the in-country processing language, and NumbersUSA supported the amendment. Since the amendment was part of a Budget Resolution, it is non-binding and doesnt force a change in the current policy that allows unaccompanied minors from those three countries to be treated differently than those from Mexico or Canada. If the provision, however, remains in the budget resolution thats eventually approved by both chambers of Congress, it allows appropriators later to set spending levels for the 2016 fiscal year that call for the expedited removal of illegal aliens from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The amendment passed 58-to-42 (including the support of three Democrats and one Independent also Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Angus King of Maine, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F (8%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase border security (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to increase border security (Cornyn) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Cornyn amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required 90% operational security along the entire U.S. - Mexico border before illegal aliens could receive citizenship. The amendment failed 43-54 (20 June 2013).
2013: Voted against an amendment to increase border security (Paul) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required Congressional approval before RPI status was given to illegal aliens and required completion of the border fence. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to ensure border security (Lee) Sen. Feinstein voted against the Lee amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have required Congress to sign off on DHS implementation of border security strategies and certify that the strategies are operational. As the bill is written, there is no Congressional oversight or approval needed. The amendment failed 39-52, with a 3/5ths vote needed for passage (19 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to ensure effective control of the border (Grassley) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Grassley amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have prohibited the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months. As written, illegal aliens receive RPI status almost immediately after the bills passage. The amendment failed 43-57 (13 June 2013).
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
A- (89%)
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By opposing the amendment, Sen. Feinstein indicated that the border should remain porous, making it easier for individuals to cross the border illegally.
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By opposing the amendment, Sen. Feinstein indicated that the border should remain porous, making it easier for individuals to cross the border illegally.
2010: Voted for an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have funded the deployment of 6,000 National Guardsmen and women to the U.S. - Mexico border, thereby making it more difficult for human, drug, and arms traffickers to cross the border. The amendment failed 51-46 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).
2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Cornyn amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased funding for drug enforcement along the Southwest border. The amendment failed 54-43 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).
2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped the Justice Department handle immigration-related cases on the border more efficiently.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Kyl amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased resources within the Department of Justice to expedite immigration-related cases along the border. The amendment failed 54-44 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).
2010: Voted for an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have funded the deployment of 6,000 National Guardsmen and women to the U.S. - Mexico border, thereby making it more difficult for human, drug, and arms traffickers to cross the border. The amendment failed 51-46 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).
2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped the Justice Department handle immigration-related cases on the border more efficiently.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Kyl amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased resources within the Department of Justice to expedite immigration-related cases along the border. The amendment failed 54-44 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).
2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Cornyn amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased funding for drug enforcement along the Southwest border. The amendment failed 54-43 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).
2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. Feinstein voted for the DeMint amendment to H.R. 2892, the DHS Appropriations bill., which mandates that the 700 miles of border fencing (which was previously approved and appropriated for) be completed. The DeMint amendment passed 54-44.
2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. Feinstein voted for the DeMint amendment to H.R. 2892, the DHS Appropriations bill., which mandates that the 700 miles of border fencing (which was previously approved and appropriated for) be completed. The DeMint amendment passed 54-44.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F (6%)
2008: Voted against an amendment to increase border security funding and enforcement.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Sessions Amendment to S CON RES 70. This amendment would increase funding for border security, guarantee 700 miles of fencing, place 6,000 National Guardsmen on the border, and reimburse state and local law enforcement. The amendment passed 61 to 37.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to increase border control.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Coburn Amendment (SA 1311) to S. 1348 to increase border control by requiring construction of the border fence, implementation of US VISIT (entry-exit system), and biometric identification documents. The Coburn Amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 54.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
B (74%)
2006: Voted for a bill to create a border fence.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of H.R. 6061 to create a 700-mile reinforced fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, and to provide for other barriers for border control. H.R. 6061 passed by a vote of 80-19.
2006: Voted for an amendment to fund a border fence.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Sessions amendment to H.R. 5631, the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. The Sessions amendment would provide for $1.8 billion for the construction of 370 miles of border fencing and 461 miles of vehicle barriers along the southern border. The Sessions amendment passed by a vote of 94-3.
2006: Voted against an amendment to extend the border fence.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 5441, the Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The Sessions Amendment would have added 370 miles of fence on the southwest border. The amendment failed by a vote of 29 to 71.
2006: Voted for an amendment that authorizes the National Guard to assist in border patrol efforts.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Ensign Amendment to S. 2611, which authorizes the Governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas to order their states National Guard units to assist the Border Patrol in their efforts. The Ensign Amendment passed by a vote of 83-10.
2006: Voted in favor of an amendment to create a border fence.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Sessions amendment (SA 3979) to S. 2611, which calls for the construction of at least 370 miles of a border fence along the southwest border. The Sessions amendment passed by a vote of 83 to 16.
2005-2006: Voted against amendment (Ensign)to DHS appropriations bill to fund U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Ensign Amendment (SA 1219) to H.R. 2360 (Rogers), the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The Ensign Amendment transfers appropriated funds from the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the purpose of hiring 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), failed by a vote of 38 to 60 on July 14, 2005 (10:04 AM).
2005-2006: Voted in favor of Byrd Amendment to fund additional Border Patrol agents
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Byrd Amendment to H.R. 1268 (an emergency supplemental spending bill) to provide funding to hire 650 more border patrol agents. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), passed 65-34 on April 20, 2005 (3:18 PM).
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A (94%)
2002: Voted for a bill to increase border control with an alien tracking and identification system.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 that would increase border control efforts by creating an entry-exit system for checking each alien as they enter and leave the U.S. H.R. 3525, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 97-0.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
C (47%)
2002: Cosponsored a bill that would compromise border control efforts (Kennedy).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2444, an INS restructuring bill that would have potentially compromised border control efforts by redefining immigration law to include not only the Immigration and Nationality Act but also Executive Orders and international agreements. The bills primary sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to increase border control with an alien tracking and identification system (Kennedy).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 to create an entry-exit system that would check every visa holder as they enter and exit the U.S. S. 1749, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), did not come to a vote.
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to increase border control with an alien tracking and identification system (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1627 to create a comprehensive alien tracking and identification system that would implement an entry-exit system to check every visa holder upon entering and exiting the U.S. The primary sponsor was Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A+ (100%)
1996: Voted in favor of bill to reduce illegal immigration with border control, such as increased Border Patrol forces (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]), a large omnibus bill with dozens of provisions aimed at reducing illegal immigration. It included major increases in Border Patrol forces. As well, it barred from any kind of legal entry for 10 years any illegal alien who had been apprehended and deported. S. 1644 passed by a vote of 97-3.
1995-1996: Voted in committee to reduce illegal immigration through increased Border Patrol (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S. 1664 that contained provisions aimed at reducing illegal immigration such as increased Border Patrol forces. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
29%
D
Strengthen Interior Enforcement
118th Congress (2023-2024)
F- (0%)
2023: Sponsored S. 1343 to discourage sanctuary cities
Sen. Feinstein sponsored S. 1343, the Fair Adjudications for Immigrants Act, introduced by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The legislation would redefine convictions for illegal aliens to only include a final order of guilt from a judge.
117th Congress (2021-2022)
F (6%)
2022: Sponsored S. 2954 to redefine the term conviction in immigration courts Sen. Feinstein sponsored S. 2954, the Fair Adjudications for Immigrants Act, introduced by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The legislation would redefine a conviction in immigration courts to only include guilty convictions by immigration judges.
2022: Sponsored S. 4529 to limit family separation Sen. Feinstein sponsored S. 4529, the Childrens Safe Welcome Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The legislation would strictly limit family separation for aliens while in either DHS or HHS custody. The legislation would also ban family detention centers and reinforce the Flores Settlement Agreement that limits the amount of time that DHS can detain children.
116th Congress (2019-2020)
F- (0%)
2020: Voted in favor of H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that would weaken interior enforcement and increase foreign worker visas. The bill reduced funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by $431 million. Further, the bill authorized the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to increase the number of H-2B visas issued during the 2021 fiscal year.
2019: Cosponsored S. 1591, the End Mass Deportation Act, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1591, the End Mass Deportation Act, introduced by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The bill would nullify Pres. Trumps interior enforcement executive order issued in Jan. 2017 that established priorities for enforcement, encouraged support for 287(g) agreements, and called for penalties for sanctuary jurisdictions.
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Cosponsored S. 1733, the Protecting Families and Improving Immigration Procedures Act, to encourage border surges Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1733, the Protecting Families and Improving Immigration Procedures Act, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The bill would: 1) prevent the separation of families within 100 miles of the border, 2) call for limited detention of family units, 3) lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement that requires the feds to release minors within 20 days, 4) appoint taxpayer-funded attorneys for UACs in removal proceedings, and add 75 immigration judges.
2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Feinstein 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 against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Feinstein voted against S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
2019: Cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act, introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act. This legislation would give Legal Permanent Residency to all foreign citizens (mostly illegal aliens) who have received Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure, including those removed or deported pursuant to a voluntary departure order. Approximately 440,000 foreign citizens would receive LPR status under this bill.
2019: Cosponsored S. 388, the Families, Not Facilities Act, introduced by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 388, the Families, Not Facilities Act of 2019. This legislation would prohibit the use of information provided by UACs to apprehend, detain, or remove UACs, custodians, residents of the home, or sponsors. It would not allow funds to be used for enforcement, detention, and removal operations in violation of the Wilberforce Act. In doing so, the legislation would encourage additional UACs and family units to cross the border illegally.
2019: Voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Feinstein 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.
2019: Cosponsored S. 197, the Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act, introduced by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 197, the Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2019. This legislation would prohibit DHS or ICE from using DACA documentation to arrest or detain illegal aliens.
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F- (0%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken interior enforcement Sen. Feinstein voted for the amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have reprioritized interior enforcement, protecting nearly every illegal alien, including illegal aliens not even in the country yet, for deportation. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2018: Voted against Sen. Toomeys amendment that would punish sanctuary cities Sen. Feinstein voted against an amendment offered by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Toomey amendment would: 1) block certain Federal grants to sanctuary jurisdictions and reallocate those funds to jurisdictions that uphold Federal law, 2) protect local police from lawsuits for honoring ICE detainer requests, and 3) explicitly allow localities to protect from referral to ICE victims of or witnesses to a crime. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2017: Cosponsored S. 415, introduced by Sen. Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), to void President Trumps sanctuary city executive order Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 415, legislation that would void President Trumps executive order that prevented sanctuary cities from receiving certain federal funds.
2017: Cosponsored legislation nullifying Pres. Trumps border security EO (Carper) Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 725. This legislation would nullify Pres. Trumps Jan. 25, 2017 executive order that improves border security and strengthens interior enforcement. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
F (6%)
2016: Voted against beginning debate on legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Feinstein has voted against invoking cloture on S. 3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would help end sanctuary policies that aim to protect criminal aliens by defining sanctuary jurisdictions as any state or local jurisdiction that fails to communicate with federal immigration agents and refuses to comply with detainer requests. The bill would also block certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and shield local police from liability when acting on behalf of a federal immigration request.
2015: Voted to protect Sanctuary Cities in 2015 (Vitter) Sen. Feinstein voted against cloture to open debate on S. 2146, the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act. This legislation would withhold certain federal funding from jurisdictions that enact sanctuary policies, require the Department of Homeland Security to create a public list of jurisdictions that have sanctuary policies in effect, protect local law enforcement from liability in holding criminal aliens for ICE pick-up, and increase penalties for illegal re-entry into the United States. The bill is sponsored by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F (9%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to mandate use of the E-Verify system (Schumer) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).
2013: Voted against an amendment to implement full entry/exit system (Paul) Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required implementation of a biometric entry/exit system at all points of entry. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to require biometric entry/exit system (Vitter) Sen. Feinstein voted against the Vitter amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required the implementation of a biometric entry/exit system (the US-VISIT System) at all ports of entry before illegal aliens could be granted temporary legal status or citizenship. Sen. Vitters amendment failed 36-58, with a 3/5ths vote being required for passage (18 June 2013).
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
F- (0%)
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By opposing the amendment, Sen. Feinstein indicated that illegal aliens should be allowed to live normally in the United States (including taking American jobs) without fear of arrest or deportation.
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By opposing the amendment, Sen. Feinstein indicated that illegal aliens should be allowed to live normally in the United States (including taking American jobs) without fear of arrest or deportation.
2009-2010: Voted for tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted against tabling an amendment (SA 2630) sponsored by Sen. David Vitter to the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill (H.R. 2847). The Vitter Amendment, if adopted, would have prevented federal funds from going to states and municipalities with sanctuary policies in place that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potential terrorists. The Vitter Amendment was tabled, with Sen. Feinsteins vote essentially promoting sanctuaries for illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted for tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted against tabling an amendment (SA 2630) sponsored by Sen. David Vitter to the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill (H.R. 2847). The Vitter Amendment, if adopted, would have prevented federal funds from going to states and municipalities with sanctuary policies in place that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potential terrorists. The Vitter Amendment was tabled, with Sen. Feinsteins vote essentially promoting sanctuaries for illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. Feinstein voted for a motion to table the Sessions amendment to H.R. 2892 (the DHS Appropriations bill) which reestablishes E-Verify permanently, mandates that any business getting a federal contract must run all new hires through E-Verify, and mandates that every existing employee who works on the government contracts must be run through E-Verify. The pre-existing employee provision only applied to the employees actually working on the government contract. The motion to table the Sessions amendment failed 44-53 and the amendment passed with a voice vote. H.R. 2892 was signed into law on October 28, 2009. By attempting to table the Sessions amendment, Sen. Feinstein voted to give American jobs to illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. Feinstein voted for a motion to table the Sessions amendment to H.R. 2892 (the DHS Appropriations bill) which reestablishes E-Verify permanently, mandates that any business getting a federal contract must run all new hires through E-Verify, and mandates that every existing employee who works on the government contracts must be run through E-Verify. The pre-existing employee provision only applied to the employees actually working on the government contract. The motion to table the Sessions amendment failed 44-53 and the amendment passed with a voice vote. H.R. 2892 was signed into law on October 28, 2009. By attempting to table the Sessions amendment, Sen. Feinstein voted to give American jobs to illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted against employment verification by opposing a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling Sen. Jeff Sessions amendment to the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 1105). This amendment would have reauthorized the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification program for a period of five years. E-Verify, with a 99.4% accuracy rate, is the most effective tool in keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The 5-year extension was an effort to stop the program from being used as a trade-off for various amnesty plans. The Senate leadership decided to table Sessions amendment rather than allow a floor vote. By voting for the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. Feinstein opposed the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.
2009-2010: Voted against employment verification by opposing a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling Sen. Jeff Sessions amendment to the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 1105). This amendment would have reauthorized the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification program for a period of five years. E-Verify, with a 99.4% accuracy rate, is the most effective tool in keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The 5-year extension was an effort to stop the program from being used as a trade-off for various amnesty plans. The Senate leadership decided to table Sessions amendment rather than allow a floor vote. By voting for the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. Feinstein opposed the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F (6%)
2008: Voted against an amendment to increase border security funding and enforcement.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Sessions Amendment to S CON RES 70. This amendment would increase funding for border security, guarantee 700 miles of fencing, place 6,000 National Guardsmen on the border, and reimburse state and local law enforcement. The amendment passed 61 to 37.
2008: Voted in favor of sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Vitter Amendment to S. Con. Res. 70, a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009. The Vitter Amendment would have created a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities which ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 58 to 40, effectively killing the amendment.
2007-2008: Voted against increasing interior enforcement by funding state and local law enforcement assistance in enforcing federal immigration laws.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Dole Amendment to H.R. 309, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. The Dole Amendment would have appropriated $75 million to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for general support of state and local law enforcements assistance in the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. The vote to table the amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 42, effectively killing the amendment.
2007-2008: Voted in favor of sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of tabling the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill. The Vitter Amendment would have denied Federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) funding to state and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 52 to 42, effectively killing the amendment.
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to increase interior enforcement.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Coburn Amendment (SA 1311) to S. 1348 to increase interior enforcement by requiring implementation of US VISIT (entry-exit system) and biometric identification documents. The Coburn Amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 54.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment that deters employers from hiring illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. The Sessions Amendment would prohibit employers who hire illegal aliens from receiving government contracts. The Sessions Amendment passed by a vote of 94-0.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
B+ (83%)
2006: Voted against an amendment to fund immigration investigators.
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 5411, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill for 2007. The Sessions Amendment would have added $86 million for 800 additional staff to investigate immigration law violations. The amendment failed by a vote of 34 to 66.
2006: Voted for an amendment that allows local law enforcement to assist border patrol agents.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Bingaman Amendment to S. 2454 to authorize grants to state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies near the borders to assist in immigration enforcement. The Bingaman Amendment passed by a vote of 84 to 6.
2005-2006: Voted for an amendment to add detention beds to increase interior enforcement.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The McCain amendment would have increased the number of detention beds to those called for in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The McCain amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 56.
2005-2006: Voted in favor of Byrd Amendment to fund additional immigration investigators and agents
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Byrd Amendment to H.R. 1268 (an emergency supplemental spending bill) to provide funding to hire 250 new immigration investigators, and 168 new immigration enforcement agents and deportation officers. The Byrd amendment also provides funds for 2,000 additional detention beds as well as funding to train the new personnel. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), passed 65-34 on April 20, 2005 (3:18 PM).
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A (94%)
2002: Voted for a bill to create a comprehensive alien tracking and identification system.
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 to significantly reduce future population growth from illegal immigration by making it much harder for temporary visa holders to stay in the country illegally after their visas expire. H.R. 3525 includes an entry-exit system and an integraded data system with biometric identifiers. H.R. 3525, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 97-0.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
C (47%)
2002: Cosponsored a bill that would allow asylum applicants to escape without awaiting approval (Kennedy).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 2444 would have added thousands of illegal aliens to the population each year by greatly reducing the detention of asylum applicants while their cases are pending, thus allowing them to disappear into the public. This bills primary sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to decrease illegal immigration with an alien tracking and identification system (Kennedy).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 to create a comprehensive alien tracking and identification system by implementing an entry-exit system with an integrated database of biometric identifiers for every visa holder. This would have greatly reduced the ability for a visa holder to overstay their visa and become an illegal alien in the U.S. S. 1749, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), did not come to a vote.
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to increase interior enforcement with alien tracking and identification system (Feinstein).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1627 to create a comprehensive alien tracking and identification system. This would have reduced the opportunities for an alien in the U.S. to overstay a visa and become an illegal alien. The primary sponsor was Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to increase interior enforcement with a fingerprint processing system (Snowe).
Sen. Feinstein cosponsored S. 1491 to create and implement a fingerprint processing system for every visa holder. This would help increase interior enforcement by allowing for tracking of aliens while they are in the U.S. and decreasing the probability that an alien will overstay a visa and become an illegal alien. The bills primary sponsor was Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine).
106th Congress (1999-2000)
no action
105th Congress (1997-1998)
no action
104th Congress (1995-1996)
A+ (100%)
1996: Voted against the Abraham Amendment which would get rid of a voluntary workplace verification program
Sen. Feinstein voted against the Abraham Amendment to strip the voluntary workplace verification program from S. 1644 (Hatch). Workplace verification programs help reduce illegal immigration by withdrawing the job magnet from illegal aliens. The Abraham Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.), failed by a vote of 54-46.
1996: Voted in favor of bill to reduce illegal immigration using interior enforcement, such as restrictions on sanctuary policy (Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted in favor of S. 1644 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) a bill with dozens of provisions aimed at reducing illegal immigration. It included interior enforcement provisions such as restrictions against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens and employer sanction provisions. S. 1644 passed by a vote of 97-3.
1996: Voted in committee against the Hatch Amendment, which reduced fines against employers who hired illegal aliens.
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee against the Hatch Amendment to S. 1664 (Hatch). The Hatch Amendment stripped the provision from S. 1664 that increased fines against businesses that hire illegal aliens, thus making it less attractive for businesses to hire illegal aliens. The Hatch Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), passed by a vote of 9-8.
1995-1996: Voted in committee to increase interior enforcement using verification programs(Hatch)
Sen. Feinstein voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of S. 1664 to reduce illegal immigration through mandatory workplace verification programs. S. 1664, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 13-4.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
no action
No Action