In the wake of Tuesday's election, political analysts are busily predicting what the outcome means for Congress and the country. With Republicans now in the majority in the House of Representatives, many policies will probably change radically. What must not change, however, is work on immigration reform.
We are both of Japanese American descent - I was raised (and Scott's father was raised) in World War II-era internment camps for Japanese Americans. Thus we are keenly aware of the need for our society to be more inclusive.
We understand that during tough economic times, the natural reaction is to close the borders and look inward. Yet, the irony of anti-immigration sentiment, which fears a loss of jobs for Americans if more immigrant workers enter the United States, is that it is fiscally more prudent to legalize, insure, employ, reunite and educate our immigrants than to keep families apart.
Limiting immigration flows has proved to be economically unsound and harmful to American families. Lengthy waits waste precious government resources and can discourage potential applicants from using legal channels to join their families in the United States.
Yet our family-based immigration system has not been updated in 20 years. Nearly 6 million people are stuck in perpetual waiting, which is both unproductive and inexcusable. Five-year separations are quite common; so are 20-year estrangements from siblings and elderly parents.
Waits are so long that families receiving visas often find that their children have to reapply as adults and go to the back of the line. These administrative backlogs disproportionately affect Asians, Latinos and women.
The Reuniting Families Act, which I will reintroduce in the 112th Congress, allows all Americans to be reunited with their families. That includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender permanent partners (adults who are in committed lifelong relationships and are financially interdependent).
The benefits of this policy cannot be overstated: American workers with their families by their side are happier, healthier and more able to succeed than those living apart from loved ones for years on end. By pooling resources, families can do together what they can't do alone - start family businesses, create American jobs and contribute more to this country's welfare.
The healthier the community, the more expendable income is available and the lower the burden on government social services. This correlation is well researched and well substantiated, but it is up to us to make it a reality.
This is a time when we must use every available resource to stimulate our economy and control government spending. That is why comprehensive immigration reform makes good sense.
It is time to reunite America. No family excluded.
Rep. Michael Honda, D-San Jose, is chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Scott Fujita, a member of the executive board of the National Football League Players Association, is a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. This op-ed was first published in the San Francisco Chronicle on November 4, 2010.
I agree this is unfair, but 10 - 20 million illegal residents the jumped the line. Perhaps that's part of the problem ?
We must start REDUCING immigration levels. I don't see have we can bring in 6 million people that are waiting and continue to bring in one million legal immigrants and another million workers with VISAs, plus the illegals continue to pour in.
How do we provide them all jobs ? Do we raise taxes to schoold them, house them, feed them ?
Something must be reduced ? We can no longer accept the tens of millions of people we have been accepting.
"Whe people break the law with impunity, it encouraes further disobedience and breeds further disrespect for the rule of law."
--------------------------------------------
You are correct...however the system is not a fair one. Clearly we need a newer system that reflects the society we live in. As a gay American I would like nothing more than to legally sponsor my partner of 10 years. Yet there is no way for me or thousands like me to do so. We either find a third country to take us or we end our relationship. It's a really horrific situation to be in and one I wouldn't wish on anyone.
What anti-immigration sentiment? Or is this the usual blurring of the lines between legal and illegal again by the left?
"Immigrants" don't need CIR they are already here with papers. Those who are not should go back home and apply to come legally. No cutting in line.
------------------------------------------------------------
How do I legally apply for my partner?
Cute doggy:-)
I have seen a few videos of people yelling about not getting their benefits. Do they seriously think they'll ever get another penny now? Not from the right they won't.
Oh grrrrrrrrrr. Thanks for your positive comment! I needed that. F&F
---------------------------------------------------------
I ABSOLUTELY agree! However I feel that UAFA should be a stand alone bill and NOT lumped into a CIR bill. Just my opinion.