Lujan Grisham, CHC Statements of Support On National Day To Act, Fast And Pray

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) and Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued statements of support on the National Day to Act, Fast and Pray.

Since November 12, a core group of leaders has been fasting for immigration reform on the National Mall. The group includes SEIU's Eliseo Medina, NAKASEC's Dae Joong Yoon, DREAMer and Mi Familia Vota's Christian Avila, and Sojourner's Lisa Sharon Harper. Across the country, over 5,000 people are joining in the fast and calling on House Republican Leadership to act on comprehensive immigration reform.

"The holiday season is traditionally a time to be grateful for our blessings in life while also renewing our commitment to helping others. For those of us fortunate enough to spend the holidays with our loved ones, these courageous fasters serve as a constant reminder that far too many immigrant families have empty places at their tables because of our broken immigration system. I recently participated in a 48-hour solidarity fast in Albuquerque and was truly inspired by the strength and conviction of the fasters -- both in New Mexico and across the country -- who are sacrificing their own well-being to send a clear message to Congress: It's time to side with a majority of the American people in addition to countless business, faith and community leaders and finally pass immigration reform with an earned path to citizenship." -- CHC Whip Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01).

"Eliseo Medina, Dae Joong Yoon, Christian Avila and Lisa Sharon Harper have demonstrated enormous strength, endurance and perseverance for the past 21 days. The personal sacrifice this group is making has encouraged thousands of others to participate in a national call for action. Today, on this 22nd day of fasting and National Day to Act, Fast and Pray, I call on House Republican Leadership to listen to the American people and allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform." -- CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15).

"For more than three weeks, a brave group dedicated to changing our broken immigration system has fasted to draw attention to and express the need for comprehensive reform. Their personal sacrifice on behalf of the DREAMers who want to contribute to the only home they have ever known, the hard-working immigrants who live in the shadows, and the families who have been separated has helped call attention to the need for action. I commend their enduring spirit and courage to stand up for what is right for our country and for the millions of people who want to add to the greatness of America." -- CHC First Vice Chair Ben Ray Luján (NM-3).

"The courage and dedication shown by the fasters is inspiring. They are more than activists, these are real people who have to live with the consequences if Congress fails to pass comprehensive immigration reform. They haven't given up and neither should Congress. It's time for Republicans to summon some of the courage showed by the fasters to pass comprehensive immigration reform now." -- CHC Second Vice Chair Linda Sánchez (CA-38).

"My friend Eliseo Medina and the other fasters put their health on the line because a moral and just cause requires sacrifice when comfortable politicians seem content with inaction. The country cannot afford to let the immigration crisis fester, especially when the solution is so close at hand. The message to Congress is clear: doing nothing on immigration is not an option." -- CHC Immigration Task Force Chair Luis Gutierrez (IL -04).

"It is unfortunate these brave souls are suffering in the name of immigration reform. I commend their courageous efforts and call on Speaker Boehner to bring HR 15 to the floor for a vote this year, ending this great debate." -- Congressman Joe Garcia (FL-26).

"I ask Speaker Boehner to do what is in the best for our country and economy, and heed what millions of Americans across the nation want: To fix this broken immigration system." -- Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod (CA-35).

"It has been almost one month since Fast 4 Families began their effort to bring comprehensive immigration reform to vote in the House. Passing a commonsense, comprehensive immigration reform bill is not only the right thing to do, but will lead to an economic boon in my home district and across the country. All those participating in this fast are in my thoughts and prayers, and have my continued and unrelenting support. Its time House leadership put aside the political posturing and do what's right for America -- bring this comprehensive immigration reform bill to the floor for a vote." -- Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-36).

"I am proud to support the Fasters, who through their own personal sacrifice, are highlighting the need for comprehensive immigration reform. We cannot have an immigration system that creates second-class citizens and stunts the progress of our immigrant community." -- Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51).