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Congresswoman Duckworth Speaks on the Importance of Comprehensive Immigration Reform for Women


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–October 29, 2013.  Yesterday, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) discussed the importance of comprehensive immigration reform for women on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The video and text of her remarks are included below.

Watch Here

Mr. Speaker, achieving immigration reform is not just an issue of security or economics. It is also an issue of women’s rights. It is women who disproportionately bear the brunt of our inability to fix our immigration system.

Undocumented women are more likely to suffer from domestic violence, poor work conditions, or be victims of human trafficking.  They are afraid to demand justice for crimes committed against them.  And they are afraid of retaliation and deportation.

A pathway to citizenship is critical to putting an end to a system that encourages exploitation of women.

Far too many mothers have been separated from their children because our immigration system does not value family unity and parental rights. Family values are American values. Women waiting decades to be reunited with families is not acceptable.

Ensuring that our family-based immigration policies are strong and that they come with rights to employment are key to promoting the wellbeing of women. We benefit as a nation when women have the ability to reach their full potential.

With the help of women, comprehensive immigration reform will reduce our deficit by 1 trillion dollars.

I know that my neighbors care about women’s rights and care about keeping families together.

That’s why we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform now.

I yield back.

Source: duckworth.house.gov

 


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