Family Unity

To: United States Representative Robert Brady
1907-09 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148

To: United States Representative Allyson Schwartz
7219 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19135

To: United States Representative Patrick Murphy
414 Mill Street
Bristol, PA 19007

Re: Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform for Americas Security and Prosperity Act of 2009: H.R. 4321

Dear United States Representatives of Philadelphia County:

We, the undersigned, call upon our Pennsylvania elected officials in Congress to support the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for Americas Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP), also known as H.R. 4321.

CIR ASAP constructively addresses long-standing immigration issues in a just and humane manner. CIR ASAP will protect citizens, permanent residents, refugees, family integrity and children in the visa process and immigration courts, and will provide clear, just paths for legalization of the undocumented and citizenship for permanent residents, create a stronger system of foreign born workers for American industries in need, and restore essential human rights and protections to people in the immigration detention and enforcement system.

In particular, we call attention to the recommended policy changes that would help families facing the deportation of a loved one; including barring the deportation of any individual who fled their country before the age of twelve and came to the U.S. as a refugee or asylee, and permitting immigration judges to consider the best interests of a U.S. citizen child before ordering his or her parent deported. This reform could prevent the heart-breaking, unjust separation of thousands of families in our communities.

In American politics there is much rhetoric of family values. We now ask that you preserve the value of a family, that which is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Prioritizing family unity in comprehensive immigration reform is essential.

We are active members in our communities and the Greater Philadelphia area. Please consider our signatures a symbol of our strength and commitment to keeping our families and communities together. We look forward to your official response on this issue.