Latinas respond to Senate passage of immigration reform bill

With the U.S. Senate’s passage of immigration reform in a 68-32 vote, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) recognizes today’s historic step to realize comprehensive immigration reform.  S. 744, or the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act,” was propelled to a final vote this week with the inclusion of the “Corker-Hoeven” amendment, which dedicates billions more in federal spending to further militarize the U.S. southern border and includes restrictions on access to health care that threaten women’s health and safety.
Jessica González-Rojas, executive director of NLIRH issued the following statement:
“We continue to be encouraged by the historic progress of immigration reform, and today’s vote in the Senate is an important step. In particular, we’d like to thank Senators Hirono (D-HI), Boxer (D-CA), Leahy (D-VT), and Murray (D-WA) for their tireless work to improve the legislation and the health and lives of immigrant women and families. However, we remain deeply concerned about the devastating implications of the severe restrictions on health care. Under the Senate bill, women and families will be forced to wait 15 years or more to see a doctor. As the debate moves forward in the House of Representatives, we encourage lawmakers to consider these important concerns, so that reform allows aspiring citizens the opportunity to fully contribute to our families, communities, and economy. Latinas have demanded immigration reform that respects human dignity and supports the health and success of our communities. Congress should deliver nothing less.”
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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national organization working on behalf of the reproductive health and justice of the 24 million Latinas, their families and communities in the United States through public education, community mobilization and policy advocacy.