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ASIAN IMMIGRANTS RESPOND TO PARLIAMENTARIAN’S SECOND RECOMMENDATION:  “WE ARE NOT DETERRED. VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS, NOW IS YOUR TIME.” 

By September 30, 2021March 4th, 2022No Comments

CONTACT:  Rachel Koelzer, NAKASEC, rachel@nakasec.org 

 ASIAN IMMIGRANTS RESPOND TO PARLIAMENTARIAN’S SECOND RECOMMENDATION:  “WE ARE NOT DETERRED. VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS, NOW IS YOUR TIME.” 

 Washington, DC – On Wednesday, September 29, Senate Parliamentarian, an unelected official, excluded a pathway to citizenship for millions, for the second time this month. In the second package Senate Democrats presented, which involved only an update to “a law known as the registry.” 

 Community members, allies, and affiliates from California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, are staying in Washington D.C. indefinitely to ensure that a pathway to citizenship is passed in this federal budget reconciliation package. 

 NAKASEC Board Chair and DACA Recipient, Ju Hong: “While unsurprising, the parliamentarian’s second recommendation is another deep disappointment. Parliamentarian MacDonough’s reasoning is clearly flawed, and thankfully, her suggestions can be ignored. Vice President Harris, as the Presiding Officer of the Senate, has the power, authority, and responsibility to ensure that the Democratic process of creating a pathway to citizenship for millions can be completed.” 

 Community Organizer, Glo Choi from HANA Center, the Chicago-based affiliate of NAKASEC: “We are not swayed by the parliamentarian’s disapproval. We expect Vice President Kamala Harris, who has proudly claimed her heritage as a child of immigrants and declared herself a champion of immigrant justice, to ignore the parliamentarian. Vice President Harris, now is your time. You must ensure that democracy is upheld and a pathway to citizenship for millions is created.” 

 Speaking to communities impacted by this decision, NAKASEC Organizing Director and DACA recipient Jung Woo Kim looks forward. “We will hold this administration and Congress accountable to their oaths to represent us all. We will continue to fight for the rights of Asian Americans, immigrants, and all marginalized people, and not accept this second class status to which this government continues to relegate our communities. Vice President Harris and Democrat leadership must use every means available to secure a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers and families across America.” 

 Executive Director of NAKASEC, Becky Belcore: “It has been over 35 years since meaningful immigration legislation has been passed, and the Asian immigrant community is clear: Vice President Harris and Democrats, you must uphold your promises. We will not be ignored. We are committed to making sure you hear — and listen to — our voices. Pass citizenship NOW.”  

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The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)’s mission is to organize Korean and Asian Americans to achieve social, economic, and racial justice. The NAKASEC Action Fund engages in policy and legislative advocacy to protect and strengthen the nation’s laws and policies regarding civil rights, immigrant rights and human rights. 

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