DelBene Hears From First District Immigrants
Press Release
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today heard from some of Washington's First District immigrants about the need for immigration reform.
"For too long, Congress has ignored taking meaningful action to address our broken immigration system. As a result, we have a deeply flawed system that is not working for our communities, businesses, immigrants or families," DelBene said. "I remain committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform, including an earned pathway to citizenship for families already in this country and updates to our antiquated visa system."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2013 report, the First District has more than 110,000 immigrants and only half are naturalized U.S. citizens. OneAmerica organized a panel discussion with local leaders in the Mount Vernon immigrant community to answer people's questions on immigration issues and policy.
"We thank U.S. Congresswoman DelBene, Skagit County Sheriff Reichardt and State Representative Moscoso for working with us to inform immigrant communities about policies that will impact their lives, including the President's Executive Actions on Immigration. When the Courts resolve the suit currently delaying implementation of Deferred Action, nearly 100,000 immigrants across Washington State will be able to apply for relief from deportation and live without fear that they will be torn from their families," said Rich Stolz, Executive Director of OneAmerica. "We appreciate DelBene's leadership on comprehensive immigration, and look forward to working with her to pass that policy. In the meantime, we will work with local officials to prevent the harmful effects of the REAL ID Act and the so-called Priority Enforcement Program in order to further build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement officials, and protect families from separation."
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, DelBene has led efforts to enact comprehensive immigration reform by helping to introduce the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (H.R. 15) last Congress. She has also consistently said the only long-term solution to fix our broken immigration system will require congressional action.
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