Washington, DC – The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) expresses extreme dismay in response to the Senate immigration reform deal announced last week. The following CAPAC members said:

Rep. Honda (CA-15): "While encouraged that negotiations surrounding immigration reform have not come to a halt, I have many concerns about the deal made in the Senate," said Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). "The proposal would undermine this nation’s long tradition of family-based immigration by eliminating several family-based categories. The proposed points system would fail to adequately account for the economic contributions made by family members, who rely on one another to start and run businesses, purchase homes, and send children to college. They provide care for young children, the sick, and elderly. In addition, a temporary worker program with no path to permanent residency would create an underclass of workers, and could lead to lower wages for all workers. Finally, the border security and enforcement provisions must contain adequate due process protections, and I eagerly await the full details of the proposal to ensure that such protections exist. While dismayed by the compromise, I appreciate the hard work and dedication of those involved in the negotiations. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that a humane and workable piece of legislation is passed."

Rep. Abercrombie (HI-01): "Any comprehensive immigration reform must preserve and improve a family-based system," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI-01), Chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Task Force. "Just as families are the foundation of American culture, they provide a strong and necessary base to help those wishing to integrate into our culture.  Members of immigrant families support each other in education, buying homes, starting businesses, and building and contributing to communities. This compromise legislation would shift our current immigration system from family-based to one centered on advanced degrees, English proficiency, and particular job skills.  This ignores the essential nature of families in the success of those who strive to become Americans."