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While this week is a time that many womens issues from pay equity to domestic violence are discussed, the truth is that Congress is sitting on a particular issue that is critical to women: immigration reform. While partisan politics have divided Congress for several years, theres no reason that immigration reform cant move forward. Research has shown that the majority of Americans Democrats and Republicans favor a balanced approach to reform that would enhance our security and improve our economy.

While its not usually a top talking point on immigration reform, the truth is that our southern border is a security risk. We are lucky that a terrorist or an agent of a country wishing us harm has not come across the border for an attack. It is well documented that tremendous amounts of the illegal drugs in this country come across the border from Mexico. While these are not gender-specific issues, certainly national security and the war on drugs are issues that can have a great impact on women and families. Immigration reform that makes sense, secures the border and deters illegal crossings would benefit all Americans.

Immigration reform must also include a national employment verification system. Unscrupulous employers can lure cheap labor to the United States with the promise of cash payments that can be sent home to help families in poverty. Women are particularly targeted, paid rock-bottom wages. If we cracked down on employers and required everyone to be documented, these unsavory practices would end and fewer women would be victimized.

Finally, immigration reform is the right thing to do for families. Our country was founded by immigrants and for centuries has welcomed immigrants and refugees from around the world. Our porous border, patchwork of immigration laws, and abundant supply of under-the-table jobs have sent mixed messages to would-be immigrants for decades. Many of these families have lived in the United States for a generation, always in the shadows and hoping that they could continue to live here. Many families are divided: The children were born here and are U.S. citizens while the parents have no documentation. If our current laws were enforced, these families would be torn apart, likely hurting them economically and certainly causing severe emotional trauma. We cannot justify this path and yet leaving them in limbo is inhumane we need a path forward.

So as we honor the special women in our lives this Mothers Day, its fitting to reflect on how immigration reform would make this Mothers Day a little easier for many mothers. I urge others to join me in reminding our members of Congress that immigration reform should be a priority this year and ask them to give us all the gift of immigration reform.

Glorily A. Lopez is a Madison attorney who specializes in immigration law.

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Glorily A. Lopez: The gift of immigration reform a great idea