Washington, D.C. — Over the weekend, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators finalized a deal that would have devastating consequences for individuals and families seeking safety. 

The package would trade extreme anti-immigrant and anti-asylum policies for one-time military and foreign-aid funding. While the deal also includes some policies that would benefit immigrants, including a minor increase in desperately-needed family and employment-based visas, we urge Senators to reject it because these needs cannot be met at the expense of people and families seeking safety at the border. Rather than caving to cruel and ineffective policy demands that pit immigrant families against each other, legislators should pursue lasting solutions that are grounded in dignity, fairness, and reason.

As Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, Campaign Director at Value Our Families, stated: “All families should be together and safe. While this deal includes a small increase to family visas, it doesn’t outline long-term changes that address the family visa backlogs. Legislators must prioritize increasing family-based immigration pathways, as it remains a viable and dignified way to address the flow of immigrants coming to our country. But as a coalition, we can’t value the lives and well-being of some immigrant families over others. Families stuck in the decades-long visa process should be able to reunite with their loved ones, and families fleeing violence and danger should be able to rebuild their lives in peace and safety. We can build an immigration system that is effective and honors our values.”

“We need comprehensive immigration reform that leaves no one behind, from those seeking safety at the border, to people trapped abroad and separated from their families while waiting for visas," added Carmen Lanche, Executive Director of Communities Without Borders in Connecticut and member of Value Our Families. "We all share the need to be united with our loved ones and have a safe place to call home, and we count on legislators to find solutions that will bring much-needed changes to our immigration system."

A vote on the supplemental funding package is expected this week. We urge lawmakers to reject the deal as it includes harmful, permanent changes to our asylum system and immigration laws. Our elected officials should instead pursue common-sense policies that restore order and compassion to the U.S. immigration system. Value Our Families will continue to urge the White House and Congress to prioritize family visas, expand family reunification and parole programs, and to take other necessary steps to support the safe, dignified reception of immigrants to our country.

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Value Our Families exists to protect, preserve, and strengthen family immigration. We are a network of community-based and advocacy organizations promoting an immigration system informed by love, empathy, and justice, and rejecting policies that harm immigrant families. We build public support for an immigration system that protects family unity and contributes to this country’s social and economic fabric.