HIRONO FILES ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO IMMIGRATION BILL THAT REUNITE FAMILIES, PROVIDE IMMIGRANTS ACCESS TO SAFETY NETS, SUPPORT DREAM ACT STUDENTS

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Mazie K. Hirono filed a number of amendments this afternoon to the immigration reform bill currently being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The amendments largely focus on setting immigrants up for success once they are here by supporting family unity and immigrants’ access to key safety nets.

“As an immigrant who came to this country as a young girl, I know how important it is to support immigrant families in order for them to succeed once they are here,” said Hirono. “That’s why I have proposed a number of amendments to the Gang of Eight’s bill that enable immigrants to build a support network of family and access social safety nets. Immigration can be a great economic tool but only if we set up immigrants for success and stability once they have arrived.”

Hirono came to this country from Japan as a young girl with her mother and brothers and has been an outspoken advocate for family unity and immigrant success during the immigration debate. Earlier this year, she chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the challenges women and families face in the immigration system.

One of the amendments Hirono filed today (Hirono21) would make DREAM Act students eligible for federal student aid. The amendment would give these students the same financial options to pay for their education as every other academically qualified American.

“As this immigration reform bill moves forward, I will continue to work with my Judiciary Committee colleagues to find support for the amendments I offered today. Whether or not these amendments are ultimately adopted, these are important issues that merit discussion,” Hirono added.