Political Quotes

“I have come to the floor again today to speak about an obscure section of immigration law that has a direct impact on the lives of literally millions of people living and working in the United States. I am here to speak about the plight of immigrant workers who are suffering because of a serious problem in our immigration system, known as the green card backlog. Many of these immigrants are essential workers helping to lead the fight against COVID-19. We have just heard tributes on the floor to these healthcare heroes from Senators on the other side. This green card backlog, which I speak to, puts them and their families at risk of losing their immigration status and being deported from the United States. Under current law, there are not nearly enough immigrant visas--also known as green cards--available each year. As a result, many immigrants are stuck in crippling backlogs for years, waiting and praying for the moment when their number comes up. Close to 5 million future Americans are in line, waiting for these green cards, including 1 million immigrant workers and their families. Despite this number--5 million--there are only 226,000 family green cards and 140,000 employment green cards available each year. These backlogs are really hard on families. They are caught in immigration limbo. What happens to the children is particularly awful. Children in many of these families age out while the parents are waiting for the green cards. What does that mean?…”