Bipartisan Bill Granting Relief to Bereaved 9/11 Immigrants Advances in House

WASHINGTON - Bipartisan legislation authored by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Manhattan, Queens), which would provide humanitarian relief to immigrants who lost a spouse or parent in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, passed out of House Judiciary Committee today by a 21 to 10 vote.  The bill will now head to the House floor for a full vote. 

"Our country should act with compassion and help all the victims of 9/11, regardless of their immigration status.  We can't undo the tragedy these families have had to face, but we can - and should - offer them the hope and opportunity to move forward with their lives," said Maloney.  "I want to thank Chairman Conyers and Subcommittee Chairwoman Lofgren and Congressman Lungren for their support of this important legislation.  I also want to thank Debra Steinberg for her tireless efforts to make this legislation a reality.  Debra, an attorney for many of the immigrants who would benefit from this bill, was instrumental in passing this long-overdue humanitarian relief." 

The "September 11th Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act" (H.R. 1071) would allow the immigrant spouses or children of 9/11 victims who have been identified by the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund to become legal permanent resident.  The bill would allow these family members to remain in the United States provided they abide by all rules and regulations governing legal permanent resident status. 

H.R. 1071 is co-sponsored by Rep. Peter King (R-NY).  Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sam Brownback (R-KS), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have introduced similar legislation (S. 615) in the Senate.  In the 109th Congress, Senator Lautenberg was able to attach these provisions to the Senate immigration bill, but that legislation was not signed into law.

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