Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) spoke on Capitol Hill on July 18 about legislation intended to keep military families together, regardless of their immigration status.
“We advocate here today and stand with the honorable military family members and spouses that are here with us and those that are not with us across the country,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), chairman of the CHC.
The lawmakers and members of the Hispanic community paid tribute to the role that Hispanic and Latino people have played in the U.S. military; they said they believed that it was a disservice to those in the military if they were left with concerns about the possible deportation of their family members.
“No one in America sacrifices more than our great service members and their families. ... Military families forgo birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, [and] countless family moments with one another,” Ms. Barragán said.
The lawmakers and their guests asserted that legislation supported by Republicans in the House of Representatives scares service members because it threatens family members who are illegal immigrants with deportation.
During his remarks, Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.), who serves as part of the CHC’s leadership, also pointed out the sacrifice made by immigrants.
The lawmaker said that it’s “critical that we in the United States meet our obligations, show respect, and make sure that military families, veteran immigrant families, have a pathway to citizenship and continue to pursue the American dream.”
According to Mr. Soto, the deportation of illegal immigrant spouses of veterans should be stopped, and the committee is supporting legislation that would reconfigure how the country’s immigration policy works for those related to current and former military members.
Several other lawmakers also spoke, along with members of the community and family members of veterans and service members, speaking about their own experiences being related to someone serving in the armed forces.
During the press conference, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) said the United States has been “taking advantage of our immigrant community” in the way that service members have been treated and that their service hasn’t been met with the appreciation it deserves.
“Latinos have been serving in the military since the Revolutionary War,” she said. “We were there. We have been serving honorably this country even before we were a part of this country.
“So let’s honor that service now, and let’s pass these laws. ... How dare you say you support our military when you refuse to allow all those who served the benefits that they have earned and they deserve.”
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) said during his remarks that he “can’t think of anything more shameful than to deport a veteran who wore a uniform and fought for our freedom.”
The lawmaker told the story of a veteran living in south Texas who has to go to “cartel-driven communities, putting their life at risk” in order to visit family members in Mexico.
Mr. Gonzalez spoke about the loss of benefits for illegal immigrants or veteran immigrants whose immigration status changes.
“It’s a real American shame and tragedy. We hope to get the support from colleagues across the country and across the aisle to repair this wrong,” he said.
