Nadler Lauds Committee Approval of September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today applauded the Judiciary Committee for approving H.R.1071, the September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act. Rep. Nadler, whose district includes the former site of the World Trade Center, is an original co-sponsor of the bill, authored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14), which would provide the families of the undocumented victims of 9/11 with humanitarian relief.

"The terrorists did not distinguish between those who were citizens and those who were not," said Rep. Nadler. "This bill would help ensure that we provide relief for all of the families of the victims of that terrible tragedy. This measure would be limited in its scope, but would have a far reaching impact on those who lost loved ones on 9/11."

Among the individuals killed by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 was a small group of undocumented workers. The bill states that their spouses and children "deemed to be a beneficiary of, and by, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001" would be eligible for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status. These surviving family members have already been recognized by the federal government under the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. Under the bill, it is estimated that 20 spouses and children of undocumented victims would be eligible for relief. However, this benefit would not apply to those who are inadmissible or deportable on criminal or national security grounds.

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