Nearly 160 years ago my great-great-great grandfather left his farm in County Wexford, Ireland and arrived on the docks of East Boston, determined to build a better life for his family.
He was met with the painful prejudice of a foreign land. Neighborhoods that refused to house him. Schools that shunned his children. Want ads that said ‘No Irish Need Apply.’
Of course, my family’s story is not unique. It is one I undoubtedly share with most of you; a story being written and re-written across our country today.
Every year, millions of people come to America in search of a better life. Some are struggling to get by in their country; some are fleeing from oppressive rule or a nation torn by war; others are looking for a place to invest their talent and build something new.
Since the very beginning, America has promised a better life to immigrants willing to work hard and play fair.
But our broken immigration system threatens to unravel that proud history. Enough is enough. Join us in calling on Speaker Boehner to bring immigration reform to the House floor for a vote.
Two years ago the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive immigration bill with strong bipartisan support. But that legislation stalled in the House of Representatives.
American families have waited long enough on this one.
All we’re asking for is a vote. Can you help?
Joe