Immigration
As a first-generation American, I know firsthand the tremendous contributions immigrants have made to our nation. The 9th Congressional District of Illinois is one of the most diverse in the country. Our neighbors come from all corners of the globe, as evidenced by more than fifty languages spoken at many of our schools. As a nation and a community, we are indebted to the immigrants who came here to make a better life for their families, bringing with them their dreams, their culture, and commitment to hard work. Our diversity is our greatest strength.
My office has developed considerable expertise and success in helping constituents who are having problems with immigration issues. We work with our contacts at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to help with any problems with naturalization, work authorization, or other applications, and we regularly contact U.S. Consulates abroad to help with visa issues. We do everything we can to help reunite families and fix errors. The experts on our staff will talk with you and help as much as we can. My office has assisted more than 26,000 constituents since I've been in Congress, many of whom we have helped on immigration-related matters.
Rep. Schakowsky with organizers of the conference on Improving Health and Legal Outcomes for Immigrant Survivors
More on Immigration
Last week, I voted against another ridiculous, xenophobic bill put forward by the House Republicans. The Schools Not Shelters Act is designed to bar schools and universities from giving shelter to asylum seekers, and it is a thinly veiled attempt to demonize immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. Chicago is a welcoming community, and we are working hard to house the migrants being bussed to our city by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. My colleagues claim this bill is about protecting children, but it is not, and I was glad to vote against it.
Last week, House Republicans continued to push forth their agenda that will harm everyday Americans. The Republican Study Committee, which is composed of over 170 House Republicans, put forward their plan to strip away the Social Security benefits that Americans have worked so hard to earn. This is theft and we cannot stand for it; Americans deserve to retire with dignity and respect.
The United States is now on track to set a record in 2023 for mass killings. Just last week, a neo-Nazi with an arsenal of firearms killed eight people and wounded seven others at a Dallas-area shopping mall. These tragic mass shootings are in addition to the everyday shootings that we continue to see. We need action now. As a proud member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I have had conversations with my Republicans to see if there is anything at all they could agree to. We need universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, and so much more.
For the first time since 1996, the Democratic National Convention is set to take place in Chicago! Reports show that the 2024 convention is expected to provide a well-needed $150 million boost to our economy. The eyes of the world will be watching, and I cannot wait to show off our magnificent city.
Last week was another busy week here in Washington thanks to several press conferences, constituent meetings, and bill introductions! We also spent a lot of the week deliberating on committee assignments. I am proud to announce that I am the Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, formerly known as the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Chair of the subcommittee is my friend, Rep. Gus Bilirakis from Florida.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, introduced the Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act, alongside U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), which will protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.