Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) spoke on Capitol Hill on July 18 about keeping military families together, regardless of their immigration status.
“Today’s conference is about highlighting legislation that our members have that are gonna keep military families together,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), chairman of the CHC.
The lawmakers and members of the Hispanic community paid tribute to the role Hispanic and Latino people have played in the United States military. They said they believed it was a disservice to those in the military if they were left with concerns about the deportation status of their family members.
“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,” Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.)
“If the Congressional Hispanic Caucus stands with them, no one in America sacrifices more or great service members and their families … Military families forgo birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, [and] countless family moments with one another.”
The press conference brought to light legislation named the Protected Patriot Spouses Act, as well as the Protect Patriot Parents Act, both of which were previously introduced and the contents of which are supported by CHC members.
The lawmakers and their guests asserted that legislation supported by Republicans in the House of Representatives scares service members by threatening 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 asserted that it is “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 Rep. Soto, the deportation of illegal immigrant spouses of veterans should be stopped, and the committee is supporting legislation that would re-work 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 congressmen’s community and family members of veterans and service members, speaking to their own experiences being related to someone serving in the armed forces.
During the press conference, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M) asserted that the United States has been “taking advantage of our immigrant community” in the way service members have been treated, and that their service has been met without the appreciation they deserve.
“Latinos have been serving in the military since the Revolutionary War,” Rep. Leger Fernandez 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 have 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 have to go to “cartel-driven communities, putting their life at risk,” to visit family members in Mexico.
Mr. Gonzalez went on to talk about the loss of benefits for illegal immigrants or veteran immigrants whose immigration status changes, saying, “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.”