As momentum towards immigration reform builds on Capitol Hill, I want to take a moment to highlight three bills recently introduced in Congress that include critical improvements to laws affecting migrants:
- On February 13, Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA-40) introduced the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act to ensure fair, humane treatment of migrants held in U.S. detention centers.
- On February 14, Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN-5) introduced the Strengthening Refugee Resettlement Act to reform the refugee resettlement system, which hasn’t seen significant change since its creation in 1980.
- Also on February 14, Representative Mike Honda (D-CA-17) introduced the Reuniting Families Act, which prioritizes family unity by reducing the long backlogs that often keep families separated for years.
I’m pleased to see such emphasis being placed on compassionate treatment of newcomers in our country, and I’m hopeful that the important protections included in these bills will soon become part of a larger comprehensive immigration reform bill.
Thank you for supporting the work of these three representatives by visiting our Action Center and expressing your support for welcoming policies.