“I navigated a complex immigration system,” Rep. Jayapal advocates for reforms, sharing personal journey

Jayapal immigrated to the United States alone at the age of 16, with $5,000 her parents gave her to support her American Dream.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal / Image- X (@RepJayapal)

Representative Pramila Jayapal reiterated her call for immigration reform by sharing her own journey of immigration from India as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) heritage month concluded.

"I navigated a complex immigration system,’ Jayapal said in a video posted on X. Joining the #SpreadAAPILove campaign, which was started by STOP AAPI Hate, Jayapal shared the video message in which she recounted the 17-year ordeal it took to become a U.S. citizen, pointing out that many people today face an even more difficult journey.

As #AANHPIHeritageMonth comes to a close this week, I wanted to join @StopAAPIHate in their #SpreadAAPILove campaign.

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. pic.twitter.com/HZLIgrbzVj
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) May 28, 2024

Jayapal immigrated to the United States alone at the age of 16, with $5,000 her parents gave her to support her American Dream. Emphasizing their belief in her potential and in the opportunities America could offer, she said, "They( jayapal’s parents) made the ultimate sacrifice of living on a different continent than their child."

Having gained U.S. citizenship over two decades ago, Jayapal underscored her pride in representing her constituents and serving in Congress. "Today, 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 naturalized citizens to serve in the United States Congress," she said.

"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," Jayapal stated. Her efforts include promoting policies to improve AAPI health, protecting civil liberties, and advocating for a just and 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,” she said. She concluded with a call to action for solidarity and storytelling within the AAPI community.

"Being an immigrant is part of who I am. It's something that I am incredibly proud of. America was built by immigrants, and without us, this country would come to a standstill," Jayapal asserted. "So let's all continue sharing our stories, standing together, and spreading AAPI love. Happy AANHPI Heritage Month."

Comments

Sam Patel

2024-05-30 00:00:00

Now that explains why India is doing so much better! The $5000 loss was hard but then India overcame and is now rising fast and USA growth slowing! Perfect explanation: JAYPAL!
Sam Patel

2024-05-30 00:00:00

$5000? What year was this HUGE ransom given to you by daddy?