National

House Democrats Stand in Solidarity with Fasters Calling on Congress to Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–November 21, 2013 – Today Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) and Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) are joining in a symbolic one day fast with immigrant rights leaders who have been fasting for 10 days. On November 12th, Eliseo Medina of the SEIU, Dae Joong Yoon of NAKASEC, Cristian Avila of Mi Familia Vota, Lisa Sharon Harper of Sojourners, and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of NHCLC began a fast on the National Mall, calling for Congress to pass immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.

“I am inspired by how these fasters are willing to put their health on the line to raise attention to the critical issue of immigration reform. I choose to stand in solidarity with them today,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “With 8 legislative days left, these fasters are sending a message to House Republican leadership to stop delaying and call a vote on comprehensive immigration reform. I thank my colleagues for standing in solidary with these courageous leaders.”

“This group carries on the same spirit that great leaders such as Cesar Chavez did 25 years ago in California when he fasted for 36 days to seek justice for migrant farmworkers,” said Rep. Jackie Speier who visited with the fasters Wednesday. “I admire their message to adopt immigration reform now so that they may have the same access to the American Dream that all of the immigrants who came here before them now share. Some of the fasters have already gone without food for 10 days and are willing to risk their own health to make their point. As I fast for a day in solidarity with them I will be thinking of the 11 men and women who are sitting in a tent in front of the U.S. Capitol whose message is a one of peace and courage to stand for what is right.”

“Joined together in solidarity, we’re sending a message that the Congress must come together right now and pass comprehensive immigration reform, which will reduce our deficit, grow our economy, secure our borders, and create an earned pathway to citizenship,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “I am humbled to join with these incredible folks as they demonstrate the commitment to leadership that Tea Party Republicans in Congress so clearly lack.”

“Today, I will stand in solidarity with courageous immigration reform leaders by fasting with them, and highlighting the urgent need for immigration reform,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “Our immigration system is archaic and clearly broken. There is no reason not to work together towards passing legislation now. Reform is crucial to our families, small businesses, and our economy. I join with the fasters in Washington, and across the country, in calling for action on comprehensive reform now.”

Source: schakowsky.house.gov

 


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