WASHINGTON, DC – FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement after the Senate voted down an immigration proposal negotiated by Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.):

“Too often, we hear that there is a right time for Congressional action or a right time for Presidential action on immigration policy – as if one branch should act only when the other has failed. This is wrong. After today’s failed vote, action is needed.

“Congress should use this moment to reset the terms of negotiation and continue the work to reform all aspects of our failed immigration laws until they’re successful; it is the right thing to do and foundational transformations require legislation. And, the President should never hesitate to take the steps within his authority to build legal pathways that create an orderly and secure border, as well as provide relief for long-term undocumented immigrants who have made this country their home for decades.

“Immigrants and immigration are good for America and Americans, and we need both bold policy change to create a modern, orderly and humane immigration system as well as a clear, consistent, affirmative vision to combat xenophobic demagoguery head-on.”