The Reuniting Families Act

"So they are no longer two, but one...Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Matthew 19:6

The Reuniting Families Act (S. 1085) would reunite many families of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents that have been separated for decades, their cases stalled in the backlogged immigration bureaucracy. They deserve – and the United States deserves – a more efficient process by which people can be admitted to the United States and join their family members.

Why Support the Reuniting Families Act?

We know that God desires for each of us to be part of a family – as a Father, God even adopts us into his own family! – but the U.S. immigration system has kept families separated by borders. Because Christians believe that family is a cornerstone of health for communities, it's time to speak out so that immigrants are able to keep their families intact. Ensuring that immigrant families are able to reunite is key to fixing one inhumane piece of the system we currently have. In a debate that is often talked about solely in terms of dollars and cents, Christians have the responsibility to remind lawmakers that reforms to the family based immigration system are non-negotiable pieces Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

The Reuniting Families Act would:

  • Speed up the process for reuniting spouses and minor children with their relatives who are Legal Permanent Residents or Citizens in the US by classifying them as “immediate relatives.”

  • Allow step-children and the children of fiancés to be included in our family petition system.

  • Reduce the backlog of families waiting to be reunited (many of whom have been waiting for decades!) by distributing visas more equitably among countries.

  • Allow unused family visas to be rolled over into the next year if they are not used.

The fundamental question posed by the Reuniting Families Act is whether the United States will uphold family unity as a priority of our immigration system.

If Congress fails to act, the tragedy of broken families will continue as husbands live without their wives, wives without their husbands, and children without a parent, or in some cases, both parents. By allowing family separation to continue due to our broken immigration laws, the United States is complicit in impeding the emotional, social, and intellectual growth of children and decreasing the economic opportunity of entire family units.

By enacting this bill to reunite families of U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents in a timely manner, we will be increasing the integrity our legal system, securing our economic future, and giving families the opportunity to truly pursue the American Dream.

What can you do?

  • Call or Email both your Senators! Urge your Senators to co-sponsor the Reuniting Families Act (S. 1085)
    • To call your senator, call the Capitol Hill operator at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator’s office
    • To email your senator, visit the Senate website to find his/her email address or try the easy-to-use web forms.
  • Email two friends! We know that we need to keep the message loud and clear in order for Comprehensive Immigration Reform to pass this year -- especially if we want it to include strong provisions for families. Think of two friends who you can call to encourage them to advocate for this bill as well -- just forward them the link to this page when they're on board!

What should you say?

First, click to see if either of your senators have become a co-sponsor of this bill. If so, you should still contact them to thank them for their support. If not, explain to them why this bill is important to you!

  • Calling is easy! Just say...
    "Hello, my name is _______________ and I live in _____city______. As a Christian, I believe that families are vital to maintaining the health of our society, and families need to stay together. That's why I hope you'll co-sponsor the Reuniting Families Act (S. 1085)."

  • If you email, simply put the talking points from above in your own words.

We know that Senators need to hear from advocates for immigrants and their families and friends so that there is political will to pass much-needed Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Make sure families (and especially kids!) don't get left behind as this process gets started. Contact your Senators today!

If you do make a call, we'd love to hear about it - email osjha@crcna.org with your story, or visit www.crcjustice.org to find our social networking options.