Curious about US immigration issues as reported on TV and other news media? Want to know more about the complex US Immigration system and possible improvements benefiting both immigrants and US citizens?

On July 19, AIDNW and Seattle Congregation Beth Shalom co-hosted a community meeting that highlighted immigration issues and actions at the regional community and national level, with over fifty people attending. Educational speakers were Andrew Hays, the immigration representative for Washington state’s 9th District Congressman Adam Smith, and Palmira Figueroa, representing Washington state’s 7th District Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

Jorge Baron, recently retired Executive Director of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), spoke about the collaborative efforts of AIDNW and NWIRP to help immigrants detained inside the Northwest ICE Detention Center and upon their release. In addition, several AIDNW volunteers spoke of their experiences at the AIDNW Welcome Center RV just outside the Tacoma detention center gate where immigrants are released.

Here’s a summary of US immigration reform proposals discussed at this community meeting, and some information resources:

Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act – Reintroduced in April 2023 by Rep. Jayapal and Sen. Cory Booker. Status: referred to Judiciary and Homeland Security committees.

Afghan Adjustment Act – Reintroduced in July 2023. In committee.

U.S. Citizenship Act – Reintroduced in May 2023. In committee.

Andrew Hays commented, “Regarding immigration reform writ large, there is absolutely no doubt of the importance and the urgency. Unfortunately, immigration has been a non-starter for many in the US House in recent years. We need voters in all US congressional districts to tell their legislators that they care about how immigrants are treated in the US, and the benefits to both immigrants and all US citizens of common-sense reform.”

Much evidence as been compiled throughout many US communities that immigration reform will create benefits to all through the elimination of inhumane treatment causing long-lasting trauma; enhancement of security in communities; provision of a path to permanent residence as promised to certain groups; expediting of valid asylum applications; assistance to vulnerable immigrants; enhancement of prosecution for smugglers and traffickers; facilitation of family reunification; backlog clearance for employment-based immigrant visas; and much more.