Editor’s note: The opinions expressed here represent those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.
By Jackie Zapata, Wind of the Spirit
Just as millions of undocumented families gathered during past presidencies to hear the good tidings of immigration reform that would alleviate the distress that they were faced with; likewise, the undocumented families during the Obama administration gathered around their television sets on Nov. 21, 2014, and anxiously awaited for Obama to deliver on his campaign promise.
However, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, the day before DACA expansion when thousands of undocumented immigrants were to commence the application process for work permits, which would consequentially help undocumented families to stop living in fear, to stop living in the shadows, and to, ultimately, be recognized as contributors to their community, Judge Andrew S. Hanen’s ruling halted Obama’s executive order.
The amicus brief in support of the lawsuit brought by a coalition of 26 states against Obama’s executive order on immigration was signed by 68 members of Congress.
Out of those 68 members, only one of those members was part of the New Jersey congressional delegation. Surprisingly, that New Jersey member that signed happened to be my own representative, Congressman Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.).
Congressman Leonard Lance represents the town of Dover where the majority of the population is Latino and the town of Wharton where over a third of the population is Latino.
With this in mind, it is common knowledge that a congressman/congresswoman is supposed to serve as an advocate for their constituents in Washington DC and it seems as though they have not been served well in this instance.
Signing the amicus brief to stop the President’s executive order is not an adequate representation of what thousand of residents of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District would have desired.
All that undocumented families want is an opportunity to live a life of dignity and respect where they do not have to live in fear of being separated from their families. The executive order was a step in the right direction although we know it is not enough, our country needs an immigration reform, a more permanent solution.
Congressman Lance, please take a second look at your community, walk the streets of Dover, and communicate with the people whom you are representing.
Wind of the Spirit has been committed to fighting for an immigration reform for about 15 years. We have been part of national efforts to push the government to give our people what they deserve and will continue fighting for the dignity and justice.
For anyone who wants more information please contact the Wind of the Spirit, Immigrant Resource Center at 973-538-2035.
Wind of the Spirit is an interfaith immigration resource center based in Morristown.
