Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is advocating for immigration reform in the United States to support the American dreams of immigrants. Jayapal, the first South Asian-American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, shared her journey from India to the US at 16, highlighting the challenges she faced in navigating the complex immigration system.
“As an immigrant I have been fortunate enough to live the American Dream. But it wasn’t easy to get to the point that I am at, talking to you today as a US Representative here. For 17 years I navigated a complex immigration system and an alphabet soup of visas before I finally was able to become a US citizen,” said Jayapal.
Yesterday’s actions on the border severely limit the right to seek asylum — rights that are protected by both domestic law and international treaty law.
We all want order at the border and a functioning immigration system, but enforcement-only methods will not achieve that goal. pic.twitter.com/TSH9pTzEtA
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 5, 2024
“Today that process is even more difficult, sometimes impossible for too many people. And I knew that I wanted to work to fight alongside other immigrants and to deliver the American Dream for others. Between my time on the outside and now inside Congress as the ranking member of the Immigration Subcommittee, I have fought to give back to immigrant communities and ensure that their rights are always protected,” she added.
Jayapal, a member of the Democratic Party representing Washington’s 7th congressional district, arrived in the US with $5,000 from her parents, intended to support her American dream.
“They made the ultimate sacrifice of living on a different continent than their child,” Jayapal said, emphasizing her parents’ belief in her potential and the opportunities America could offer. It took her 17 years to become a US citizen.
Enforcement-only actions on immigration, like shutting down the border, are the same types of tactics that Trump used. They don’t work.
The US has obligations, both through domestic law and international treaties, to allow people to seek asylum. We must honor those requirements. pic.twitter.com/LpRMWAmMxg
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 4, 2024
Reflecting on her journey, Jayapal highlighted the struggles many immigrants face today, calling for reforms to make the process more accessible.
“More than two decades after I gained my citizenship, I speak to you as the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, as one of only two dozen naturalized citizens to serve in the United States Congress,” she added.
As the ranking member of the Immigration Subcommittee, Jayapal has been a staunch advocate for immigrant rights, promoting policies to improve Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) health, protect civil liberties, and create a humane immigration system.
“I am always going to work to help all those who want to achieve the American dream, the possibility of doing that, just like I had,” said Jayapal.
