Investing in family immigration is the solution

As an immigrant from Ecuador who now calls Norwalk home, I was appalled to see U.S. Senator Murphy help pass a recent funding bill in Congress that includes an expansion of immigration enforcement. Among other harmful measures, the bill would invest more taxpayer dollars in immigration detention — separating hardworking families who simply want to live together in peace and pursue the American dream.

I know Senator Murphy has stood with immigrant families in the past, and I urge him not to change course now. An enforcement-and-punishment approach has historically not worked to deter immigration and has not made our communities safer. It also ignores the enormous gifts that immigrants bring to our country. Rather than pursuing failed policies, Congress and the Biden administration should strengthen existing legal pathways to immigrate, such as the family-based immigration system. By doing so, we will protect immigrants, help relieve pressure at the border, and lift up our nation and economy.

Family reunification has long been a cornerstone of the U.S. immigration system. Congress understood that our country is strongest when our families are together, so they created an immigration system that allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members to join them and build a home here.

However, the family immigration system is in urgent need of reform. Four million people are currently stuck abroad with green card backlogs and have to wait years or even decades before they can be with their loved ones. This delay leaves many family members abroad, especially those in danger there, little choice but to try to find safety and reunite with family in the U.S. through other means, such as coming to the border .

With the presidential election just months away, Senator Murphy has an opportunity to work with Congress and the Biden Administration to deliver real policy wins for our communities. Two relatively simple administrative changes can be made today to improve the family immigration system and uphold the value of family unity in our country.

First, the US needs to recapture unused green cards. Every year, thousands of green cards, which should be used to reunite families and bring workers to the U.S., are lost due to processing delays, technical errors and funding shortfalls. By getting these visas back, we can immediately clear some of the backlog and reunite families who have been apart for far too long. This move will also protect family members who are already in the US and are trying to adjust their status.

Second, providing family reunification parole to people from all countries with visa backlogs would allow our loved ones to come to the U.S. while they wait for their green cards. This simple but powerful change would allow families to be reunited while expanding our nation’s workforce.

At a time when Connecticut continues to face labor shortages, investing in family immigration makes common sense. Our immigrant neighbors fill essential jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, construction and other industries we depend on, while contributing billions in taxes. Studies also show that immigrants ensure community safety as they are significantly less likely to commit crimes than people born in the US

Investing in the family immigration system is a two-pronged, win-win strategy. It strengthens our economy and communities, reunites our families, and relieves pressure at the border by strengthening existing legal immigration options. In this crucial election year, it is time to act with courage and compassion to ensure that our policies reflect the best of our values ​​and drive the U.S. forward.

Senator Murphy himself has said that “we are a nation stronger because of our immigration tradition.” I witness this truth every day as immigrants like me start businesses, work essential jobs, pay taxes, care for our neighbors, and work to achieve the American dream. So let’s not waste another moment. Together we can build a better future by supporting the hardworking families who strive to contribute to the diversity and strength of our country.

Carmen Lanche is the founder and director of Comunidades Sin Fronteras CT and a resident of Norwalk.