Jayapal Floor Remarks in Support of Immigrants Across the United States

WASHINGTON D.C. – On Tuesday Jan. 24, just hours before the Trump administration announced its plans to crackdown on immigration, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal spoke on the House floor in support of immigrants across the United States. Below are her remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of immigrants across our country. As an immigrant myself, I understand the sacrifices and hardships that immigrants experience. My parents sacrificed their very small life savings to send me to the United States at the age of 16, by myself, to pursue college, and that’s why I stayed in my district last Friday to host an immigration roundtable which directly impacted constituents.

“Like many of us, Mr. Speaker, they have heard reports that this new administration intends to deport millions of people across our country rather than working towards a comprehensive reform of our immigration system, similar to the one that was passed in the other chamber with 68 bipartisan votes – unfortunately, never brought to the floor of this chamber. I heard from children, Mr. Speaker, afraid to go to school out of fear that their parents will be taken away while they are at school. I heard from people whose lives are still in limbo because they have no idea what’s going to happen next. But despite their fear, they still are ready to stand together and fight for their futures and their courage and resilience is truly inspiring. We owe it to them to fight alongside them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and yield back.”

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Issues: Immigration