Speech #1100164627

In 1992. the commemoration was extended to the full month of May. While its an appropriate time to note the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans. APAs. we cannot overlook the needs of the community. including a fair and sensible immigration policy. I chair the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucuss. CAPAC. and I will continue to fight for the needs of family within the immigration debate. The challenge has become much more difficult in the last year because the presidential primary campaigns have poisoned the discussion. focusing all their attention on undocumented immigrants from Mexico and calls for higher fences and tougher enforcement. Completely ignored is the fact that immigration issues facing Asian and Pacific Americans are far different. And those issues have been completely drowned out by the shrill demonization of illegal immigrants. One of the major issues for the Asian Pacific American community is family reunification: allowing relatives of legal permanent residents. other than spouses and minor children. to immigrate legally and join their families. It can take the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as long as 23 years to even consider an application for a family member from the Philippines. The extended family is a foundation in many of our cultures. and it provides real benefits to the greater society as well. Families often pool resources to educate children or purchase homes and establish roots in their communities. We often see extended family networks starting businesses. providing economic development and jobs. It is important that we move the debate on immigration past the bumper sticker solutions that have dominated the public dialog and work together to advocate for the needs of family. I believe we must find a just. practical and humane response to the 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows of our society. But. we cannot forget that families that are separated tear at the very fabric of what America means. I urge my colleagues to learn more about this issue during APA Heritage Month and throughout the year. and work for comprehensive and human immigration reform for the APA community.