US Senators Introduce Reuniting Families Act to Address Immigration Backlogs

December 5 :
With the goal of facilitating family reunification through the United States immigration system, Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have sponsored the Reuniting Families Act. Aiming to modernize the system, decrease backlogs in family-based immigration, and address issues that separate families, such as LGBTQ+ couples and children who age out of visa eligibility, are some of the goals of the bill.

The law integrates the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, introduced by Senator Hirono, which would speed up the visa application procedure for the offspring of Filipino veterans of World War II. The bill's significance was stressed by Hirono, the sole immigrant presently serving in the US Senate:

"We desperately need comprehensive immigration reform, but in the meantime, the Reuniting Families Act is a step in the right direction to help reunite or keep families together as they navigate our immigration system."

Duckworth emphasized the necessity for reform in an antiquated and bureaucratic system, echoing Hirono's views: "Families have been separated for years due to our nation's flawed immigration system, which is filled with needless obstacles. To assist eliminate these backlogs and unite families, this bill proposes reasonable improvements.

Several well-known advocacy organizations have voiced their support for the bill. These include SALDEF, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Proponents emphasize the critical importance of resolving systematic disparities and the decades-long visa backlogs. Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, stated that our antiquated immigration system should not force families to endure decades-long backlogs. The policies proposed in this bill to update our system for immigration based on family ties are both reasonable and ethical.

Various immigrant advocacy groups have expressed their satisfaction with the bill. In his statement, NCAPA member Gregg Orton said: "This bill would strengthen the family-based immigration system and bring us one step closer to creating a fair system that facilitates family reunification."

Another voice was raised by Angelica Salas, the Executive Director of CHIRLA, who said: "It is about keeping families together and ensuring thousands have the opportunity to join their loved ones in the United States." Bipartisan efforts to address long-standing immigration difficulties were highlighted last year by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) in the House, who presented companion legislation. “Families belong together,” Senator Hirono said. A improved immigration system is envisioned under this measure.