Today (May 26), Senators Menendez (D-NJ), Reid (D-NV), Durbin (D-IL), Schumer (D-NY), Akaka (D-HI), Leahy (D-VT), Bennet (D-CO), and Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Military Families Act. This legislation aims to provide stability and peace of mind for men and women in the military who have close family members who are undocumented. The bill would allow parents, spouses, and children of active duty military servicemen and women to become legal permanent residents.

    According to Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America’s Voice Education Fund:

    The lack of progress on federal immigration reform has created a cruel irony for many in our nation’s military.  While they bravely defend the country they love, the government is trying to deport their family members. Still others have loved ones living in the shadows, worrying every day that the letter could come that begins their deportation proceedings. No one should have to face these stresses while putting their lives on the line to protect our nation. The Military Families Act is common sense legislation that should become law. We applaud Senator Menendez and others for introducing this important legislation, and call on Members of Congress in both parties to come together and swiftly pass it.

    This is a much needed bill that fills a gap at the intersection of military and immigration policy. Our military men and women have put their lives on the line to protect us and serve this country. Many of them are residents and have access to an accelerated path to citizenship because of the commitment and sacrifice they are making. However, their families, who are also sacrificing a great deal, remain in this limbo, with a family member fighting for the country that wants to deport them.

    Until now, the only way to address the issue of military family members being deported has been through private bills. Although they provide some sort of relief, they are rare and only help one family at a time when there are hundreds if not thousands more suffering and living in the shadows. 

    According to a report from the Immigration Policy Center, in 2009 there were 114,601 foreign-born people serving in the United States military who constituted about 8% of active-duty personnel. These people are serving all Americans indiscriminately and the least we can do is protect their families. Nobody should be worrying about their loved ones receiving the letter that starts removal proceedings while putting their lives in danger to protect this country. It only seems right that we make sure their families are safe and in the place they call home.

    This legislation is not only patriotic and American, but protects the very essence of this country and the values we believe in. It applauds sacrifice, loyalty, honesty and bravery while guarding the most important value of them all, family. I hope Members of Congress realize that they can’t in their right conscience back away from this legislation. In the meantime, President Obama as Commander in Chief of these men and women must take action and use his executive authority to address this problem. Not only is it right, but it is also consistent with one of the purposes of his administration’s “Strengthening Our Military Families” initiative. For both Congress and President Obama, here is your opportunity.