Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), whose parents were undocumented immigrants, used a recent hearing to harshly criticize Homeland Security Chief Christie Noem, calling for her resignation.
“Let me make it clear, you are not welcome here,” Ramirez stated, demanding Noem step down. “You’ve failed to uphold the core principles of your role, and I genuinely believe you are unfit to hold this position,” she asserted. “I will insist on your immediate resignation and make sure this is on the record for everyone to see.”
Ramirez’s mother was pregnant with her when she entered the U.S., and her birth granted her citizenship. This status gives Ramirez the right to hold U.S. politicians accountable, including demanding Noem’s resignation.
In her own words, Ramirez shared that, “I’m married to a DACA recipient and I grew up as the child of an immigrant from Guatemala. I understand the fears and challenges our families face daily,” she told reporters.
She recounted her mother’s perilous journey, nearly losing her life while crossing the Rio Grande, keeping her pregnancy hidden until she could call out for help. Tragically, after that moment, her mother was never seen again.
This Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case from the Department of Justice challenging the current rules that allow citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S.
As politics has shown, Ramirez’s spouse remained undocumented into mid-2024.
During the Homeland Security Committee hearing, Ramirez confronted Noem directly.
“Yes, I did,” responded Noem when asked about her actions.
“I can almost laugh at this,” Ramirez remarked:
“We don’t live under tyranny or monarchy. Trump’s mandates are not our guiding principles; we are a democracy. We uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Even if we disagree, we will defend our rights. Our nation is built on prosperity, pluralism, and the rights that maintain our peace.”
“However, under your leadership for just 116 days, you’ve dehumanized our neighbors, eroded our constitutional promises, and facilitated the deportation of citizens. You have compromised our judicial system, disregarded laws, engaged in misconduct, and weaponized immigration against civil rights. As Senator Chris Murphy pointed out, your department is out of control, and you bear the responsibility. You have failed to uphold your commitments, and I believe you are unfit for your position. Once again, I demand your immediate resignation, and I will ensure this is recorded for all to witness.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syessfbr5h0
According to reports from 2022, at least 15% of Congress members are either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants, as highlighted by analysis from the Pew Research Center.
Some members of Congress, like Ramirez, have personal experiences with immigration; she serves on the Homeland Security Committee alongside Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), who was brought to the U.S. as a child by undocumented parents.
While some lawmakers, such as former Florida Senator Marco Rubio, have used their positions to limit immigration pathways, many immigrant lawmakers dedicate themselves to supporting the community. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Maria Salazar (R-FL), for instance, are advocating for legislation that would legalize millions of undocumented individuals, which they believe will benefit American society overall.
The increasing presence of immigrant representatives, including those from India, like Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Sri Tangedar (D-MI), underscores the evolving role of immigrant politicians in Congress.
