Immigration
Erfan Shirazian, originally from Iran, raised his right hand and began his oath. In less than 30 seconds, he would become a citizen of the United States of America.
But he wasn't thinking about the next words in the paragraph, he said. He was thinking about all the people all over the world who would give anything to be in his shoes.
"I am so relieved to finally be a citizen," Shirazian said when the ceremony ended. "During the process I kept thinking about all the people who would give up anything to get where I am today. I'm lucky."
IRVING — Make way for America's newest citizens!
120-people from more than 30-different countries earned citizens' rights in Irving Thursday, just in time for Independence Day.
"Very emotional," new citizen Trudie Mare from South Africa said. "It's been such a long journey. To eventually get here on this special day, the day before America's birthday, it just makes it so much more to celebrate."
The festivities might look like fun, but rigorous tests and requirements take time—lots of it.
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Dallas, TX – One year after the United States Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will help celebrate Independence Day by delivering keynote remarks to 120 candidates for citizenship at a naturalization ceremony to welcome new American citizens on Thursday, July 3, 2014. The ceremony will take place at the USCIS Dallas Field Office located at 6500 Campus Circle Dr. East, Irving, Texas.
WASHINGTON — As many celebrate the second anniversary of a federal policy that deferred deportations for many young people brought to America illegally as children, uncertainty and fear nonetheless persist for many immigrants.
"It was a very positive step, and it showed the extent of the authority the president actually has here," said Arturo Vargas, the executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. "The problem with any of these actions are they are not permanent because [there is no] legislation."
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, announced joined as an original co-sponsor of, H.Res. 606, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by The Honorable Linda Sánchez (CA-38), recognizing the month of June as Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the accomplishments and role of immigrants in shaping the history and culture of the United States.
Updated 4 p.m. | Rep. Jeff Denham wants a vote on his bill that would allow illegal immigrants brought to the country as children to gain permanent residence in the United States in exchange for military service — and he's got a plan in the works.
The California Republican is looking for Democrats and Republicans who are members of the House Armed Services Committee to sign on as co-sponsors of his legislation, known as the ENLIST Act, a House GOP aide familiar with Denham's efforts told CQ Roll Call.
House Democrats came together Wednesday to reignite the debate on immigration reform, introducing a discharge petition against the House Republican leadership, attempting to force Republicans to finally issue a vote on immigration.
Washington D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after joining fellow House Democrats in announcing and signing a discharge petition to demand Speaker Boehner to bring H.R. 15, the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, to the House floor for a vote.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement regarding the two anti-immigrant bills, H.R. 4138 the ENFORCE Act and H.R. 3973 the Faithful Execution of the Law Act, that takes direct aim at DREAMers:
“Instead of House Republican Leadership addressing comprehensive immigration reform that would provide relief to families and Latino communities as well as improve our economy, House Republican Leadership again chose to play political games with the lives of productive members of society.
President Barack Obama is expected to renew his push for immigration reform during his State of the Union address tonight, but a group of more than 30 House Democrats led by Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona say that isn’t enough. They want him to use his executive powers to suspend deportations until Congress passes immigration legislation.