CAPAC Members Visit Women Fasting for Immigration Reform
Washington, D.C. –– Today, women leaders in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) met with over 100 women fasting for immigration reform as part of the “Women’s Fast for Families” campaign. CAPAC Members released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“We cannot ignore the women who are fasting to bring a human face to the problems with our broken immigration system. They show us the suffering of countless families splintered by our failing system. Nearly 70 percent of all women immigrants who have legal status came here through the family immigration system, and right now they face a 4.3 million-person backlog. This burden falls disproportionately on women and children, and fails our ideals as a nation. It’s time to put an end to this national disgrace and bring immigration reform to the finish line.”
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Chair of the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform:
“I’m proud to support the brave immigrant women who are fasting on the National Mall to bring attention to the pain and suffering caused by our broken immigration system. The sacrifices made by these women to come to Washington D.C. speak to the fear they experience everyday of being permanently separated from their children and families. All they are asking is for the Republican Leadership to allow a simple up-or-down vote on immigration reform. Let’s give these courageous women the opportunity to realize the American Dream.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“I am proud to support the women fasting for immigration reform as part of the “Women’s Fast for Families” campaign. It was an honor to visit with them on the National Mall: their passion and message are powerful. This campaign has brought together women from all over the country who stand together in support of a fair, inclusive immigration system. It is long past time to pass comprehensive immigration reform and we have the votes in the House to do it. Republicans need to step up and recognize the will of the American people and bring comprehensive immigration reform legislation to a vote.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I stand in solidarity with the women who are fasting in Washington, and I join them in demanding a vote on comprehensive immigration reform. I applaud the sacrifice they’re making in order to keep the light shined on the need to overhaul our nation’s immigration laws. It is well past time to fix our broken immigration system that has hurt too many people for far too long including women, children and families. The time for comprehensive immigration reform must be now.”
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-32):
“We thank all these great women as they unite here in DC to continue to bring attention to immigrant women suffering due to the Republican Congress’ failure to bring a comprehensive reform bill to the floor for a vote. All women must unite in the quest for our true American values to be adhered to, ensuring equality and respect for immigrant women and their families.”
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46):
“I’m here today to join these women in saying enough is enough – the American people demand a vote on comprehensive immigration reform. It’s been almost a year since the Senate passed a bipartisan package and too many families are being torn apart or living in fear waiting for the House Republicans to take action now.”
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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.