For Immediate Release: April 17, 2013
VIRGINIA ORGANIZING RESPONDS TO SENATE BILL
Harrisonburg, Va. – A comprehensive immigration reform bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate that provides a clear path to citizenship for millions of undocumented people living and working in the United States.
Virginia Organizing leader and DREAM activist Isabel Castillo responded, “While Virginia Organizing and many other groups are excited to see an immigration bill introduced, we are disappointed that there are so many financial and time barriers in the path to citizenship. We strongly urge Congress to stop thinking about immigration reform in terms of what will pass, and instead focus on what is best for all people.”
Virginia Organizing Chairperson, Sandra A. Cook, added, “This is a good start. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. Virginia Organizing is very concerned about the economic effect on families and individuals who are just trying to make it in the U.S., and we urge Congress to take a closer look at these issues and work to make citizenship more attainable for our immigrant families.”
The bill includes a 10-year waiting period for immigrants to apply for green cards and hefty fines and fees to even apply for work visas, green cards, and eventually, citizenship.
“Virginians will be calling on U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte, the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, to work on passing reform measures that are fair for the millions of undocumented people living and working in our country, that keep families together, and that offer a way to citizenship,” said Cook.
Castillo believes the U.S. government needs to take even more steps to stop the threats to immigrant communities. “The first step to fair treatment, family reunification, and a path to citizenship is to stop separating families through deportations. Immigrants are here to live and work side by side with citizens, but deportations undermine our communities and our security,” said Castillo.
The immigration bill faces many challenges in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Virginia Organizing is committed to seeing comprehensive immigration reform pass and will continue to call on legislators to make changes that are fair and mutually beneficial to immigrant families and citizens.
To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.
Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.
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