Promoting Humanitarian Relief for 9/11 Victims

WASHINGTON, DC – Legislation reintroduced in the U.S. House (H.R. 1071) and Senate (S. 615) would provide humanitarian relief to a group of immigrants who lost a spouse or parents in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The September 11th Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act, introduced by Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Peter King (R-NY) and Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), would allow family members of victims of 9/11 who have been identified by the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund to adjust their status to that of legal permanent resident. This would allow them to remain in the United States provided they abide by all rules and regulations governing legal permanent resident status.

In the 109th Congress, Sen. Lautenberg was able to attach these provisions to the Senate immigration bill, but that legislation was not signed into law.

“These immigrants should not be punished for losing a loved one on 9/11,” said Maloney. “Our country must act with compassion in the treatment of all the victims of 9/11, regardless of their immigration status.”

“Many of those lost in 9/11 left behind wives, husbands, and children,” said King. “While we cannot bring back their loved ones or caregivers, we can offer them the hope and opportunity that comes with being an American citizen.”

“Congress should pass this important legislation so the families of those who died on 9/11 have the legal protection they deserve to move forward with their lives,” said Lautenberg.

“The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 devastated Americans across the country and in particular those who lost loved ones,” said Brownback.  “This legislation will help immigrants whose family members were killed in the attacks heal from the tragedy as our nation continues to do the same.  It also reflects the compassion of our nation and the solidarity of everyone impacted by the unthinkable terrorist attacks.”

“On 9/11, everyone, regardless of citizenship status, was unified in sorrow and felt themselves to be Americans,” Menendez said. “This legislation will ensure that those who lost a loved one on that tragic day will officially become what they already know themselves to be – Americans.”

“This legislation renews our resolve, as a Nation, to honor every innocent man and woman killed by terrorists on 9/11,” said Debra Brown Steinberg, a New York attorney who has represented many of these families. “If we fail in this resolve and expel the immigrant victims' families, then we will have forgotten what it means to practice tolerance and to be capable of compassion.”

 

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