CAPAC Immigration Leaders Respond to Republican Immigration Principles
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in response to the House Republican principles on immigration reform:
Congresswoman Judy Chair (CA-27), Chair:
“I am encouraged that House Republican leadership has put forth a set of principles that show they are ready to discuss immigration reform. However, it is imperative that specific legislative proposals are introduced in order to truly move this process forward.
“The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus released its own immigration principles a year ago, which prioritize the unity and sanctity of families and support a roadmap to earned citizenship for the millions of aspiring Americans living in the shadows. I remain optimistic that good-faith negotiations can lead to reform that is consistent with our values as a nation. I urge my Republican colleagues to join us at the table and bring forth legislation to finally fix our broken immigration system.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), Immigration Task Force Co-Chair:
“As Immigration Task Force Co-Chair of CAPAC, I am encouraged to see that my colleagues across the aisle are willing and ready to work on real and lasting immigration reform. While I appreciate the need for border security, I am concerned by their call to place border security and interior enforcement above all other reforms. I also disagree with the notion expressed in these principles that we must choose between employment immigration or family immigration. This “blood versus brain” dichotomy is a false one. Most importantly, I believe that immigration reform must include a pathway to citizenship. While I disagree with many of their initiatives, I am hopeful that both sides will find common ground to pass common sense legislation. This is an important first step towards reaching an historic agreement, and I stand ready to move our country forward in the right direction.”
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS), Immigration Task Force Co-Chair:
“I am encouraged that House Republicans have expressed a willingness to engage on immigration reform and make it a priority this Congress. With a strong bipartisan vote, the Senate has already done their part and I am hopeful that the House can do the same and bring immigration reform for a vote. However, any legislation must go beyond enforcement heavy principles. We must make a comprehensive effort that includes family reunification and a pathway to citizenship for some 11 million people who are already contributing to our country. While the principles released today are a step forward, they must follow with a willingness to compromise. As President Obama highlighted in his State of the Union address, the economic strength of our Nation is tied to our ability to act swiftly to fix our broken immigration system. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle toward this effort.”
Creating a common sense immigration process has long been a top priority for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the diverse constituencies that we represent. Last year, more than two-thirds of the United States Senate passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744) with overwhelming bipartisan support. In October of 2013, CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu joined with four other colleagues to introduce H.R. 15, a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House. The bill currently has the support of 196 Democrats and Republicans.
More information on H.R. 15 can be found here.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus immigration priorities can be found here.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.