Rep. Chu, Democratic Leadership Announce Discharge Petition for Immigration Reform

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Democratic Caucus Chair Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and fellow Democrats to announce a discharge petition for H.R. 15, comprehensive immigration reform legislation that was introduced in October. Rep. Chu, who is one of four original co-sponsors of H.R. 15, delivered the following remarks at a press conference in front of the Capitol building:

"We're here this morning for Fely, a mother who left her kids behind in the Philippines to find work here and has been waiting 17 years for her kids to be allowed over. We're here for Maria, an American citizen whose husband, if deported back to Mexico, would devastate them and their 3 kids, emotionally and financially. We're here for William, whose mother in Ireland passed away, but could only send a cell phone video of his message to the funeral, because he has no path to citizenship.

"Those who are affected by our broken immigration system look like America. And the ideals that built America are the principles that are in immigration reform. We want the best and the brightest to contribute to our society, and helping DREAMers stay in the only country they've called home will do that. We value the role that family plays in our lives, which is why this bill helps keep them together.

"We're done waiting. Now, with this petition, we are saying: put a bill on the floor for the vote.

"This is a Hispanic and an Asian issue. It is a black and a white issue. Most importantly, it's an American issue. It's time to pass immigration reform!"

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