One Hundred Women Intensify Pressure for Commonsense Immigration Reform

SEIU Executive Vice-President, Valarie Long, arrested at civil disobedience action, demanding the House leadership give America a vote on citizenship

WASHINGTON, DC - As pressure continues to build on the House to vote on an immigration reform solution that includes a path to citizenship, one hundred women, including SEIU Executive Vice President Valarie Long, were arrested at a civil disobedience action on Capitol Hill. The action comes as immigration reform supporters prepare to hold countless mobilizations on October 5th National Day for Dignity and Respect" and a major march in the nation's capital on October 8.

SEIU's Valarie Long issued the following statement:

"Today, courageous women, representing mothers, daughters and sisters from all walks of life, took a stand in the face of a House leadership that is holding hostage a vote on immigration reform--a reform urgently needed to protect the unity of families and pave the road to citizenship for millions.

"I humbly and proudly stand in solidarity with these women and all the families who demand a fair and smart immigration solution. This act of civil disobedience is a striking and urgent message to Speaker Boehner and his colleagues in the House: the time is now to give America a vote on citizenship. It's the right thing to do for our country, our economy and the millions of immigrant families who contribute to the fabric our communities."

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