American Family Values???
Political leaders are always spouting off about the importance of “family values” and “family unity” and whatnot. It is becoming increasingly more apparent that immigration laws cut right through that “family unity.” There are so many stories out there about families needlessly separated by immigration setbacks, mistakes, and waiting periods, that I couldn’t decide which story to include in this blog. They are all exasperating.
There is the undocumented worker who came to the United States with his family when he was a child. He was raised in American schools and has become part of the American system. He met and married his American wife and had two children with her. However, when it was time to get his papers in order, he was told he had to immediately leave the country and was not allowed to return for at least 10 years. His wife and children tried to follow him but were unable to stay in Mexico for economic and health related reasons. They are now living in two different countries.
There’s the student who came to the United States legally and stayed legally for almost 11 years. In that time, she was married to an American and had two children. She made her life in the US in those ten years. She was also told she had to return to her home country and await further notice. She has now been separated from her husband for five years with no chance to reunite in sight.
Finally, there is David’s story. He is now the president of American Families United. He co-founded this organization as a response to the injustices he has suffered along with his wife and kids. You can read his story here.
It’s astounding to imagine all of the families unnecessarily separated for years at a time. There are up to 2 million families currently lost in the nebulous nonsense of immigration laws, and this number is exponentially growing. Now that my husband and I are beginning the arduous process, this has become an issue near and dear to my heart.
On May 14, the Senate is set to discuss a Comprehensive Reform Bill. American Families United is working to make sure that bi-national families are represented in the pending reform. To learn more or to sign the petition, please visit American Families United’s homepage here.
Also check out the petition for Senator Obama’s proposed Citizen Promotion Act here.
May 11th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Hola Kristi - Thank you for a fine article on this most important issue.
Sadly a “free” country founded by immigrants has taken a very harsh stand towards it’s neighbors and immigrants in general. There is a great deal of prejudice in this Country.
We need voices such as yours to intelligently fight for human rights.
Mr. Bush - Tear down the walls!
John Calypso
May 11th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Hi John-
It really is sad. I was inspired to write this blog by your own writings on the issue. Let’s keep raising our voices and maybe, one day, we’ll be able to make a difference.
Take care,
Kristina