Congressional Women's Working Group on Immigration Reform Celebrates International Women's Day
Washington, DC,
March 7, 2014
This International Women's Day, I urge my colleagues to pass legislation that keeps families together, boosts our economy and improves the well-being of aspiring Americans.
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chair CONTACT: Matt Lee (Roybal-Allard) (202) 225-1766 Staci Cox (Moore) (202) 225-4572 Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform Celebrates International Women’s Day; Launches “Women’s Fast for Families” Washington, DC – Saturday, the bipartisan Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform will celebrate International Women’s Day and look forward to a month of activities across the country aimed at highlighting the impact of our broken immigration system on women and the urgent need for reform. These events will culminate on April 7th with the final “Women’s Fast for Families” on the National Mall in Washington DC. Designated by the United Nations, International Women’s Day is an occasion to recognize the struggles and achievements of women around the world. This year’s global theme is “Inspiring Change” and over the next month, women across America, including women leaders in Congress, will be holding fasts and other events to inspire the American people to demand sweeping changes to our nation’s unjust immigration laws. Because this broken system continues to deny millions of immigrant women the chance to pursue the American Dream, the Women’s Working Group once again calls on the House Leadership to bring responsible reform legislation to the House floor for a vote. “We should recognize that when the unique needs and contributions of immigrant women are demeaned and ignored, the progress of all women is endangered,” said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. “That’s why immigration reform is a women’s equality issue and why on International Women’s Day, the Congressional Women Working Group is ramping up the push to finally fix our broken immigration system. Along with women across the country, we’re united in fighting for truly comprehensive immigration reform that protects and empowers immigrant women.” "It has been repeated, many times this Congress, that when women succeed, America succeeds. This notion does not exclude immigrant women. Study after study confirm the enormous economic benefits of comprehensive immigration reform. This International Women’s Day, I urge my colleagues to pass legislation that keeps families together, boosts our economy and improves the well-being of aspiring Americans," said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. "For immigrant women living in our country, International Women's Day represents another reminder of how far our nation still has to go to provide them a fair and inclusive pathway to citizenship," said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. "These women work hard to clothe, feed and provide for their families, yet our immigration system does not do them justice. We need to continue fighting to give them the opportunity to succeed in our great nation. Because we all know that when women succeed, our country succeeds." “Our current immigration system is hurting women, families, and communities. As we recognize International Women’s Day, we must consider the importance of immigrant women and the great need for thoughtful, comprehensive immigration reform. In Southern Nevada, many immigrant women work behind the scenes in the gaming and tourism industries and in the informal economy. Their unique contributions keep our families strong, help build vital communities, and fill a critical and growing need in our economy. They deserve comprehensive immigration reform now,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. ### |
