Suozzi urges bipartisan immigration reform at DNC
In a poignant address at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, of New York’s 3rd Congressional District, called for bipartisan and humane solutions to America’s ongoing immigration challenges. Suozzi, who won his seat in a special election earlier this year, framed his remarks within the context of his own immigrant heritage, linking his family’s story to the broader American narrative of opportunity and perseverance.
The convention, in Chicago, has served as a platform for the party to showcase its vision for the future, with a focus on uniting the country in the face of ongoing challenges. Vice President Kamala Harris was expected to formally accept the party’s nomination for president on Thursday, after the Herald went to press.
Suozzi’s speech, early Wednesday evening, was a key moment in the convention, as Democrats sought to unify their message two and a half months before presidential election. With immigration continuing to be a polarizing issue, Suozzi’s emphasis on bipartisan cooperation struck a deliberate contrast to the increasingly divisive rhetoric that has characterized the national debate.
Suozzi, who served as Nassau County executive from 2002 to 2009, represented the 3rd District from 2017 to 2023 before leaving Congress to run for governor last year, when he lost the Democratic primary to Gov. Kathy Hochul. He recaptured his congressional seat in February, two months after its occupant, George Santos, was expelled from Congress.
“My father came from Italy as a boy, was the first kid in the neighborhood to go to college, served as a navigator during World War II, came home, and at 28 was elected as the youngest judge in the history of New York state. What a country!” said told the audience, eliciting applause. He invoked his grandfather’s wisdom, shared through a family toast that marriage, like life, involves both joy and hardship: “Non c’è rosa senza spine — You can’t have the roses without the thorns.”
Suozzi used the metaphor to underscore the complexity of the immigration issue, acknowledging that while border security is a serious concern, the U.S. must also honor its legacy as a nation of immigrants. “The immigrant experience. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. My family’s experience! Kamala Harris’s experience! The American experience!” he said, linking his story of immigrant roots to Harris’s.
While Suozzi did not delve into policy specifics, his remarks were a clear endorsement of Harris’s approach to immigration. He praised her for her commitment to both securing the border and ensuring humane treatment for those crossing it, portraying her as a leader who understands the balance between enforcement and compassion.
“Kamala Harris will work to secure the border while also honoring the United States’ history as a nation of immigrants,” Suozzi asserted.
He also critiqued the current state of political polarization, which he described as “painful.” He particularly criticized Republicans for exacerbating divisions and undermining efforts in the Senate to pass a bipartisan border security bill. Although Suozzi did not name former President Trump directly, he left little doubt about whom he held responsible for the failure of what he described as a promising legislative effort.
“The bottom line is that the people in the United States of America are concerned about the border,” Suozzi said at a news conference before his speech. “And what we’ve seen is that if we talk about the border and show that we’re willing to support the bipartisan Senate deal, the American people like that. The fact that that deal was undercut by President Trump is really damaging.”
Suozzi’s focus on immigration has been a defining feature of his recent political career. Representing a Long Island-based district that has seen a significant influx of new arrivals in recent years, Suozzi has been at the forefront of addressing the local impact of national immigration policies. The strain on resources in New York City, coupled with growing concerns among suburban residents, has made immigration a central issue in his district.
Since reclaiming his seat in February, Suozzi has worked to chart a new path for Democrats on immigration, one that balances enforcement with empathy. He has argued that the party must take a firm stance on border security to counter Republican attacks while also advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.
Suozzi has also emphasized building bridges between the two parties on immigration. He has positioned himself as a pragmatist, willing to work with Republicans to find common ground on an issue that has long defied easy solutions. This approach reflects Suozzi’s broader political philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of bipartisanship and cooperation in a deeply divided political landscape.
“People are sick of the attacks and the extremism,” he said before his speech. “They’re sick of the gotcha. They want people to work together, solve problems, and make the world a better place.”
