MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressional Event Highlights Urgent Need to Reform Family Immigration System

October Event Features Affected Families, Faith Leaders & Immigration Experts
	
For Immediate Release                                                  
October 20, 2009                                                         

Contact: Priya Murthy
301.270.1855

WHAT: A press event following a Congressional briefing highlighting the urgent need for passage of immigration reform legislation which addresses solutions for families facing obstacles, backlogs and separation under current U.S. immigration law.

WHY: Thousands of individuals are forced to wait years, and even decades, to reunite with close family members in the United States. Lengthy family visa backlogs, discriminatory policies affecting lesbian and gay families and other significant obstacles often keep families separated, despite the United States' long-held commitment to family unification as a key component of immigration policy.

WHO:

    * Karen Narasaki, President of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC)
    * Cara Huang, Office of Rep. Mike Honda (Sponsor of H.R. 2709 Reuniting Families Act)
    * Ruth Flower, Legislative Director of Friends Committee on National Legislation
    * Aetna Thompson, Immigration Attorney representing clients affected by lengthy visa backlogs
    * Steve Orner, American citizen unable to sponsor Indonesian partner

WHEN: 12:30pm Friday, October 23rd
 
WHERE: Room 1302, Longworth House Office Building

This event is co-sponsored by American Families United, American Jewish Committee, Asian American Justice Center, The Episcopal Church, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Immigration Equality, Legal Momentum, National Council of La Raza, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, South Asian Americans Leading Together, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center and United Methodist Church-General Board of Church and Society.