Illinois congresswoman says immigration measures would bring relief to her family – NBC Chicago

An Illinois congresswoman said the Biden administration’s recent immigration announcement reminded her why she ran for Congress – to fight for immigration reform.

For U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez, President Joe Biden’s executive actions on Tuesday are a personal matter.

Ramirez is the only member of Congress from a mixed-status family and is married to Boris Hernandez. Her husband, a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, is working to become a U.S. citizen.

Ramirez joined other local activists during a press conference on Wednesday in welcoming the president’s actions. He announced this week relief for some spouses and children of undocumented U.S. citizens. The new measures will simplify the process to apply for legal permanent residency and live and work legally in the U.S.

Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García said one in ten children in Illinois has an undocumented parent.

Ramirez said her husband will benefit from the immigration announcement because her family will feel more comfortable and she will be able to sleep better at night. But the decision is also bittersweet because she had hoped the measure would be more comprehensive to help other undocumented immigrants.

“It provides us with some protection while we go through our … status adjustment. But at the same time, the truth is, it’s not the same for his brother. He seemed happy, but also emotional,” Ramirez said.

She vowed to continue fighting to help other undocumented immigrants who are not covered by this announcement, including her brother-in-law.

Meanwhile, Republicans said they plan to challenge Biden’s executive order in court.