HI HR51

Urges the President of the United States and Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform that provides a practical and inclusive path to permanent citizenship promoting fairness, justice, human dignity, and mutual respect.

Acknowledges 11,000,000 to 12,000,000 undocumented immigrants currently reside in the United States, the majority of whom abide by laws, work hard, and pay taxes while facing risks of employer abuse and deportation.

Notes the nation's immigration system has significant backlogs with approximately 4,000,000 people in the legal immigration queue, causing legal immigrants to wait decades for family reunification.

Recognizes Hawaii's special interest in immigration policy due to its cultural diversity and identity as a "cultural melting pot" that defines the state's unique local culture.

Requires that comprehensive immigration reform not abridge the rights or priority of individuals currently in the United States who have been waiting to become citizens.