Conexión Américas celebrates the historic and patriotic bipartisan 68 to 32 vote in the Senate yesterday that attempts to fix our nation’s long-broken immigration laws.
We especially thank Republican Tennessee Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander for showing leadership and courageously voting with the sentiment of 77% of their Tennessee constituents and in favor of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744).
“The same American Dream that many of our ancestors had when they immigrated to this country is still alive today as new people seek to join us. We’re grateful to Tennessee’s two senators for their leadership on this issue, and to all those who continue to support comprehensive immigration reform,” said Stephen Zralek, president, Conexión Américas Board of Directors.
Additionally, we applaud all the Tennesseans who have worked tirelessly — and continue the fight — to send a loud message to lawmakers that the Time is Now for immigration reform.
This compromise bill, with an amendment offered by Senator Corker and North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven, includes provisions that would add increased border patrol agents and more border fencing. While the concessions are less-than-ideal, passage of the bill proves our leaders understand that meaningful change requires bipartisanship.
We stand with our Senators in recognizing that now is the time for such change. Conexión Américas has worked closely with Latino immigrant families in our state, including those who are undocumented, for more than 10 years. We know their struggles and dreams —to work with dignity and raise their families in peace. Real immigration reform will bring 11 million people in the United States, including more than 100,000 in Tennessee, out of the shadows, allowing them to contribute even more fully to American life and the economy.
Now, the voices on both sides of the aisle who rose up to demand change must stay focused and vigilant as the bill moves to the House of Representatives. We must continue to advocate for families and individuals and we must urge our Tennessee members of Congress to do the right thing.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform is what Tennesseans want and what Tennesseans deserve. Please contact Senators Alexander and Corker to thank them for their principled stance on behalf of immigrant Tennesseans, and please contact your House Representative to urge him or her to support real immigration reform.
Contact your Congressional Representative
Click here to contact Tennessee representatives to Congress and ask them to vote for bipartisan and comprehensive immigration reform.
Thank Tennessee Senators
Click here to send an easy and heartfelt thank you to Tennessee Senators Alexander and Corker.
Renata Soto
Executive Director
Conexión Américas
Stephen Zralek
Board President, Conexión Américas
Bone McAllester Norton PLLC
Terry Maroney,
Conexión Américas, Advocacy Committee Chair
Vanderbilt University Law School