Will fight for American Dreams of immigrants: Indian-American Congresswoman
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has called for immigration reform in the US to support the American dreams of immigrants.
Jayapal, the first South Asian-American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, recounted her own journey from India to the US at the age of 16, and how it took 17 years for her to become a US citizen.
Pramila Jayapal is also known for fighting for racial justice and equality in every corner of the US.
In a video posted on X as part of the #SpreadAAPILove campaign by STOP AAPI Hate for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month, Jayapal shared her experiences navigating a complex immigration system.
“As an immigrant I have been fortunate enough to live the American Dream. But it wasn’t easy to get to the point that I am at, talking to you today as a US Representative here. For 17 years I navigated a complex immigration system and an alphabet soup of visas before I finally was able to become a US citizen,” said Jayapal.
“Today that process is even more difficult, sometimes impossible for too many people. And I knew that I wanted to work to fight alongside other immigrants and to deliver the American Dream for others. Between my time on the outside and now inside Congress 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,” she added.
Representative Pramila Jayapal, a member of the Democratic Party representing Washington’s 7th congressional district, arrived in the US with $5,000 from her parents, intended to support her American dream.
“They made the ultimate sacrifice of living on a different continent than their child,” Jayapal said, emphasising her parents’ belief in her potential and the opportunities America could offer. It took her 17 years to become a US citizen.
Reflecting on her journey, Jayapal highlighted the struggles many immigrants face today, calling for reforms to make the process more accessible.
“I navigated a complex immigration system for 17 years before I finally became a US citizen,” said Jayapal.
“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,” she added.
JAYAPAL ADVOCATING FOR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS
As the ranking member of the Immigration Subcommittee, Jayapal has been a staunch advocate for immigrant rights, promoting policies to improve Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) health, protect civil liberties, and create a humane immigration system.
“I am always going to work to help all those who want to achieve the American dream, the possibility of doing that, just like I had,” said Jayapal.
Jayapal concluded with a call to action for the AAPI community, urging solidarity and the sharing of stories.
“My immigrant story is something I’m incredibly proud of. Let’s all continue using our stories to fight for racial justice & equality in every corner of America,” said Jayapal. “So let’s all continue sharing our stories, standing together, and spreading AAPI love. Happy AANHPI Heritage Month.”