Women’s Refugee Commission Applauds the Introduction of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act

Washington, D.C., April 17, 2013 – The Women's Refugee Commission applauds the introduction of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act in the Senate and commends the bipartisan “Gang of 8” for its renewed commitment to fixing a broken immigration system.

“Reform of our broken immigration system is long overdue,” said Michelle Brané, director of the Women’s Refugee Commission’s Migrant Rights and Justice Program.“The Women's Refugee Commission is particularly pleased that the bill provides a pathway to citizenship and protections for due process.”

“This is an important moment not just for immigrants but for all who live in the United States. Immigrant women and children have played a critical role in this country’s many successes, and their contributions to our society and economy must be acknowledged with a pathway to citizenship, protections for family unity, and respect for their basic human rights,” said Brané.

The bill is a good start, but we must continue to work together to ensure that due process is respected and that women and children are fairly included. The Women's Refugee Commission looks forward to working with Congress in the coming weeks to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable migrant populations—women and children—are not being forgotten or ignored.

* * *

Michelle Brané is available to comment (in English and Spanish) at 646.717.7191.