CAPAC Marks One-Year Anniversary of Senate Immigration Reform Bill
Washington, D.C. – Today marks the one-year anniversary since the U.S. Senate passed the
bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S.
744). Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the
following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“It has been one year since the Senate – Democrats and Republicans – voted to pass
comprehensive immigration reform. Yet, House Republicans continue to turn their backs on the
will of a majority of Americans.
“With each passing day, the American people, and countless women, children, and families,
continue to feel the devastating impacts of inaction. This is especially true in the Asian American
and Pacific Islander community, where Asians and Pacific Islanders make up over 40 percent of
the 4.3 million individuals caught in the current family immigration visa backlogs and over 80
percent of those in the employment visa backlogs. I urge Speaker Boehner and House
Republican Leadership to listen to the American public and give them a vote on comprehensive
immigration reform.”
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“Today marks one year since the Senate came together on a bipartisan basis to pass a
comprehensive immigration reform bill. Since then, millions of families remain in the shadows
and thousands of unaccompanied children have been risking their lives to cross the U.S. border.
The urgent need to fix our broken immigration system is clearer than ever. The Senate bill offers
positive solutions that will make our immigration system more humane, our communities more
secure and our economy stronger. The bill also includes an unprecedented investment in border
security. I urge House Republicans to take action on this critical bipartisan bill.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce Co-Chair:
“365 days ago, the Senate passed a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill that would improve
our economy, reunite families, and bring millions of people out of the shadows. For the past 365
days, Republicans have refused to let us vote on the House version of that bill. We know that we
have the votes to pass immigration reform. We have enough Republicans who have said they will
vote to pass it. We just need Speaker Boehner to let us do our job. Our current system is costing
us $1 billion every year. Immigration advocates, businesses, workers’ representatives, and a
majority of the American people know we need real reform.”
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce Co-Chair:
“On June 27, 2013, the Senate passed S. 744 with bipartisan support to fix our broken
immigration system. But even one year later the House has failed to make comprehensive
immigration reform a top priority. Time is running short. The House version, H.R. 15, would reunite
families, bring millions out of the shadows, and strengthen our economy. But we must act now
and move swiftly for the Nation to have any hope left in Congress doing the right thing. The time is
now and I urge House Republican leadership to finally bring this legislation to a vote.”
Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:
“Republicans in the House haven’t listened to their Republican colleagues in the Senate. And it’s
certainly clear that they’re not listening to the American people who overwhelmingly want us to fix
this broken immigration system. House Republicans have a choice: they can do this the American
way, by passing commonsense immigration reform, or they can do this the Tea Party way. We
hope House Republicans choose the American way to do business and fix our broken
immigration system.”
Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-14), Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:
“It’s been 365 days since the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to fix our nation’s broken
immigration system, yet all we see is excuse after excuse from House Republicans on their
failure to act. While Republicans continue to make excuses, families across the country are
suffering. The American people want it, the economy needs it, basic human decency demands it,
and the Senate passed it. What else are House Republicans waiting for? Enough with the
excuses. It’s time for a vote.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:
“The Senate passed its Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill a year ago today, yet we find
ourselves still waiting for the House to do the same. I call upon my colleagues to work together to
do the right thing and bring immigration reform legislation to a vote. This is a bipartisan issue, and
we cannot afford to continue with inaction any longer. The millions of potential Americans across
this country deserve better. The time is now.”
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08):
“I am frustrated that the Speaker has not yet let the House vote on this crucial legislation.
Congress must pass comprehensive immigration reform that is practical, fair and humane. We
need a long-term plan that will secure our borders and include a responsible path to citizenship
for the 11 million undocumented individuals who are living in the shadows. It is also a priority of
mine that we make sure that our immigration system allows families to stay together. If an
immigrant meets a strict set of requirements and is deemed eligible, he or she should be able to
pursue legal status. Comprehensive immigration reform is right for our families, our businesses,
and for our future global competitiveness. That is why Speaker Boehner should bring immigration
reform to a vote now.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“We know that our current immigration system is fundamentally broken and cruelly tears families
apart. We need a common sense system that provides a pathway to citizenship and an
opportunity for all individuals to contribute to our country’s economic future. One year ago, the
Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would help mend this broken
system. This bill has the votes to pass the House; it is past time Republicans bring it to the floor.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):
“One year ago, the Senate came together in a bipartisan manner to overhaul our nation’s broken
immigration system. But 12 months after Senators took action, House GOP leaders still refuse to
act. This is unacceptable and must change. Comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue,
and the time to fix our dysfunctional immigration system is now. There must be no more excuses
and no more delays!”
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):
“Immigration reform would reduce the deficit and grow the economy. It has the support of the US
Chamber of Commerce, labor unions, and the majority of the House of Representatives. The
Senate acted in a bipartisan way last year, and the House should do the same. It is time
Republican leadership stopped stalling and let the chamber vote.”
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (CA-38):
“It is incredibly frustrating that House Republicans continue to ignore our broken immigration
system. Their inaction has very real human and economic costs. More than 11 million people who
want to pay taxes and contribute to our great country are stuck in limbo. Each day that Republicans
continue to delay action, is a day that approximately 1,100 families get separated. Passing
comprehensive immigration reform would allow us to capitalize on the potential to create 159,000
new jobs and collect $1.25 billion in revenue over the next decade. It’s time for Speaker Boehner
to cut the excuses – our country deserves a vote.”
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.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus page
