Ramirez, Casar, Kamlager-Dove to Launch Congressional Caucus to Address Global Migration
June 27, 2024 Press Release
In the face of attempts to criminalize immigration and erode the rights of asylum seekers, the caucus will pursue meaningful congressional action to address the global crisis of displacement
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and 21 members of Congress launched a new congressional caucus which aims to find effective, long-term solutions to humanely address irregular and forced migration around the world.
The members of Congress, joined by international migration advocacy organizations, announced at a press conference that the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration will position Congress as an effective ally in building the political will to:
advance regional and global collaboration; and
establish partnerships with local and grassroots leaders needed to realize effective, orderly, and humane migration management.
“For too long, Congress’s failed policy choices have played a role in contributing to the irregular and forced displacement of families around the globe. To address the unprecedented levels of global migration today and to ensure communities everywhere are able to thrive, Congress must work on meaningful solutions built on political will, regional partnerships, and a coordinated global approach,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues to affirm there are those of us in Congress who want to be an effective ally to global efforts to create a safer, more equitable world where people can build the life they want and deserve at home. Today, with Congressman Casar, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, and our colleagues, we are changing the narrative, building partnerships, and taking the necessary action to realize a more secure, safe, and sustainable future.”
“Instead of blaming families for fleeing violence and chaos, Congress must change the U.S. policies that push people out of their home countries in the first place,” said Congressman Casar. “Immigration doesn’t begin at the border — it starts in people’s home countries. It’s time to start talking about that. I’m proud to co-chair the new Congressional Caucus on Global Migration because a safer, more humane immigration system is only possible with long-term solutions and global collaboration.”
“Migration is a foreign policy issue that goes beyond the Southern border. Republicans say they want to secure the border yet refuse to engage with our partners to address the root causes of global migration, such as conflict, food insecurity, climate change, political violence, and transnational criminal activity,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “We know that Democrats and Republicans can work together to resettle migrants from across the globe — there was bipartisan action to provide resettlement support for Ukrainian refugees. However, we aren’t seeing that same support when it comes to Africa, which is home to a third of the world’s refugee population and the world's largest internal displacement crisis in Sudan. My district in Los Angeles is home to a large and vibrant diaspora population of immigrants from across the globe. My constituents’ lived experiences inform my passion for this issue, and I look forward to finding new ways to celebrate and uplift these communities as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration.”
Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP-00), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowski (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) serve as founding members of the congressional caucus.
The caucus has the support of international and national immigration advocacy groups like the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA), Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, Justice in Motion, Justice is Global, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), andStimson Center.
“The creation of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration represents a pivotal step and timely initiative toward comprehensive immigration policies and fostering regional and global cooperation. This effort is crucial for addressing migration's root causes, managing humanitarian needs, and ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration. We are particularly encouraged by the Caucus's commitment to partnerships with key stakeholders at all levels. Together, we will amplify grassroots voices and foster the political will needed for humane migration management and upholding human dignity, reinforcing our nation's values and strengthening U.S. leadership in global humanitarian efforts,” said María José Espinosa, Executive Director for Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA).
"Justice is Global applauds the launch of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration. A dedicated caucus would bring much-needed attention and expertise to a complex global issue: it would push for policies that address the underlying drivers of migration, including supporting sustainable development, mitigating the climate crisis, and promoting peace and human security while working towards humane, orderly, and effective migration management," said Sandy Shan, Executive Director from Justice is Global
“KIND applauds Representatives Ramirez, Casar, and Kamlager-Dove for their leadership in establishing the vitally important Congressional Caucus on Global Migration. With more children on the move globally than ever before, we look forward to engaging with the caucus to advance solutions that meaningfully address the root causes of forced child migration,” said Jason Boyd, Vice President, U.S. Federal Policy KIND.
“While there are more people migrating today than in decades past, the overall percentage of migrants – whether engaged in forced or voluntary migration – has increased less than one percentage point over the past 30 years (from 2.9 percent in 1990 to 3.6 percent in 2020). According to the World Migration Report, ‘[t]he vast majority of people continue to live in the countries in which they were born – only one in 30 are migrants.’ But the number and percent of the world’s population considered by the United Nations as subject to forced migration is growing and is currently at an estimated 120 million people, or 1.5% of the world’s population,” said Kelly Ryan, President of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. “Most migrants choose to relocate to another country for a variety of reasons, including education and employment opportunities and family reunification. In contrast, forced migrants are leaving extreme conditions of persecution and other harm. Jesuit Refugee Service/USA applauds the creation of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration and will support efforts to partner on strengthening safe, legal, and dignified migration options, including refugee admissions or asylum for those on the move.”
“The immigration crisis with which the United States is currently grappling cannot be disassociated from the global challenges that the international community is facing and that impact more acutely Global South nations. For U.S. political leaders to address that crisis, it is critical that they develop long-term holistic policies that aim to address the root causes of forced migration, for instance by supporting the reform of the inequitable international financial architecture. I hope that U.S. policymakers will leverage the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration to build bridges with Global Southern stakeholders such as the civil society to inform U.S. responses to address the root causes of forced migration,” said Aude Darnal, Research Analyst and Manager of the Global South in the World Order Project at the Stimson Center.
“By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration promises to advance thoughtful policies that recognize the complexities of migration. Together with our Defender Network, we look forward to helping members learn about the conditions that drive migration so the caucus can promote dignity and justice for migrants here and around the world,” said Cathleen Caron, Founder and Executive Director of Justice in Motion.
