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For Immediate Release
April 17, 2013
Contact: Jane Yoo, NAKASEC, 202.630.4013
Full Bill Text: http://www.schumer.senate.gov/forms/immigration.pdf
Joint Statement by NAKASEC, KRCC and KRC on the Introduction of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013
Today, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-AZ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced the much anticipated immigration reform bill, S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.
The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and affiliates, the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) in Chicago and the Korean Resource Center (KRC) in Los Angeles recognize that this bill is the product of bi-partisan leadership of the “Gang of 8” Senators and decade-long organizing by immigrant communities from across the country.
We are encouraged that the bill includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, however, are deeply concerned and disappointed by other aspects including restrictions on American citizens to reunite with their loved ones, exclusions of some immigrants to get on the path to citizenship and arduous hurdles for undocumented immigrants in obtaining legal permanent residency and citizenship. NAKASEC and affiliates will provide a more detailed analysis of the bill in the coming days and with input from the community we will continue to organize to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation that lifts up family values and strengthens the economy.
Below are statements from the Executive Directors:
Son Ah Yun, executive director of NAKASEC said, “The Senate finally delivered on their promise to introduce comprehensive immigration reform legislation. For us, this is coming after years of organizing and advocating with youth, seniors and families who have been impacted by the broken immigration system. The Korean American and Asian American community, an increasingly growing and powerful electorate, expressed clear support for the passing of comprehensive immigration reform in the 2012 elections and we will continue to fight for a bill that works for families and protects the family immigration system.”
Sik Son, executive director of KRCC added, “Organizing doesn’t end today. We are even more prepared and ready to fight to make sure that comprehensive immigration reform passes this year, but passes with stronger components that works for more immigrants and families.”
Dae Joong Yoon, executive director of KRC concluded, “Many in our community marched, rallied and courageously shared their personal stories to make this day happen. We will not stop. This is the time that we must put the democratic process in motion. We call on our community to participate and work with us to improve this bill and make sure it passes this year.”
NAKASEC believes that immigration reform should:
- Provide a meaningful path to citizenship that is clear, direct and inclusive for millions of undocumented immigrants and their families.
- Keep all families together by preserving the family immigration system and eliminating the immigration backlogs.
- Protect all workers regardless of their immigration status.
- Stop mandatory and indefinite detentions and cruel deportations that separate families and protect and restore basic rights and liberties, including allowing every person to have their day in court.
- Promote the social, economic and political integration of immigrants and their children.
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The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) was founded in 1994 by local community centers to project a national progressive voice and promote the full participation of Korean Americans as a part of a greater goal of building a national movement for social change. NAKASEC is based D.C. and Los Angeles. NAKASEC also has affiliates in Chicago (Korean American Resource & Cultural Center) and Los Angeles (Korean Resource Center).
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