Immigration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined more than 140 colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to suspend the new strategy of conducting raids on refugee families and seek a comprehensive regional refugee solution to the crisis in Central America. Read more

This afternoon, the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform and We Belong Together were joined by children at a Capitol Hill press conference to call for an end to America’s family detention system. Nine members of Congress spoke out about the need to end family detention, including Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), chair of the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform; Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19); Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (IL-04); Congressw... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today joined colleagues in signing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit Court’s decision on Texas v. United States. “Everyone agrees that our immigration system is broken, but the solution will not be found through litigation. The Fifth Circuit’s decision wrongly hurts immigrant families whom we should be supporting, not deporting,” DelBene said. “The President took lawful action to help families being torn apart by our current... Read more

SEATTLE — Elected officials and community leaders from across Seattle and Washington State called for on citizens to reject fear and panic following weeks of harmful and discriminatory rhetoric aimed at refugees seeking resettlement in the United States. Citing Washington State’s long history of opening its doors and providing equal opportunity to those seeking a safe haven and a chance at a better life, Washington State leaders urged the community to remember the longstanding history of Washing... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today released the following statement after the address of the Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of the Vatican City, Pope Francis. “I agree that Congress must take action on many of the issues Pope Francis addressed today – immigration reform, climate change and the need to help those who are struggling. Communities of faith have been tireless leaders in these efforts, and it’s encouraging to hear Pope Francis speak out for such important causes. “It’s clear our... Read more

MOUNT VERNON – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today heard from some of Washington’s First District immigrants about the need for immigration reform. “For too long, Congress has ignored taking meaningful action to address our broken immigration system. As a result, we have a deeply flawed system that is not working for our communities, businesses, immigrants or families,” DelBene said. “I remain committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform, including an earned pathway to citizenship... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and 135 House Democrats wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson urging an end to family detention. “We are troubled by the Department of Homeland Security’s continued detention of mothers and children in secure, jail-like facilities,” the letter stated. “The only solution to this problem is to end the use of family detention.” There have been many recent reports of lengthy detention, serious medical concerns and significa... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today praised a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that will allow work permits for spouses of immigrants inside the United States holding H-1B visas. “Spouses of high-skilled workers are often just as skilled and educated as their husbands or wives,” DelBene said. “The previous ban disproportionately harmed women who simply wanted to contribute to our society by working. Now employers will have access to more skilled workers, helping our economy and ... Read more

TACOMA – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today saw the Northwest Detention Center, where immigrants are held before deportation hearings. “Our broken immigration system is hurting Washington state’s economy and families. Today far too many individuals, who pose no risk to the public’s safety, are being detained or face deportation, needlessly tearing them away from their loved ones,” DelBene said. “The administration should focus on dangerous individuals, not honor students and workers contr... Read more

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) signed an amicus brief with 180 colleagues in support of the President’s appeal in the Fifth Circuit case of Texas v. United States. “Everyone agrees, our immigration system is broken, but House Republican leaders have refused to allow a vote on bipartisan, commonsense comprehensive immigration reform legislation,” DelBene said. “If Republican leaders had allowed a vote last year on H.R. 15 – the bipartisan bill I helped introduce – it likely would hav... Read more