Rep. Jayapal Calls for Immigration Reform, Reflecting on Her Personal Experience with the System

May 30 :
At the end of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) heritage month, Representative Pramila Jayapal shared her personal journey of immigration from India, reinforcing her need for immigration reform.

"I successfully navigated a complex immigration system," Jayapal stated in a video that was uploaded on X. By sharing a video message on the 17-year process it took to become a U.S. citizen, Jayapal joined the #SpreadAAPILove campaign, which was initiated by STOP AAPI Hate. She made the point that many people today face an even more difficult road than hers.

At sixteen years old, Jayapal embarked on her American Dream by migrating to the United States solo with $5,000 that her parents had given her. "They (jayapal's parents) made the ultimate sacrifice of living on a different continent than their child," she said, highlighting their faith in her abilities and the opportunities America might provide.

After becoming a citizen of the United States more than twenty years ago, Jayapal took great delight in her role as a representative for her constituents in Congress. "Today, more than two decades after I gained my citizenship, I speak to you as the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, as one of only two dozen naturalised citizens to serve in the United States Congress," according to her.

"As the ranking member of the Immigration Subcommittee, I have fought to give back to immigrant communities and ensure that their rights are always protected," he added. She is fighting for a fair and compassionate immigration system, measures to enhance the health of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the preservation of civil liberties.

She promised that she would do all in her power to ensure that others had the same opportunities she had in order to realise the American dream. She ended by urging the AAPI community to stand together and share their stories.

I can't help but identify with my immigrant background. To this day, I still feel immense pride in it. Jayapal made the bold claim that immigrants were the driving force behind the United States' development and prosperity. Let us AAPIs keep up the spirit of unity, sharing our stories and supporting one another. Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with us!