America's Voice Blog

Posted 08/28/09 at 11:00am

Kennedy Tribute and Timeline: Remembering His Life’s Work on Immigration

Today we're releasing a timeline and a tribute to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 1932-2009, for his lifetime of tireless work on behalf of immigrants and refugees. He was more than a friend to the downtrodden- he was a fighter and a champion for the rights of all workers. Please take a look, and take a moment to add your name to the letter we've drafted in his memory and his honor.

Please take a moment to visit:

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 1932-2009,
Hero on Immigration Reform

Also, please check out--

THE TIMELINE:

Senator Kennedy, A Champion for Immigrants and the American Dream

Here are a couple of key highlights:

1962 – Kennedy launches his first campaign calling for immigration reform

1965 – Kennedy’s manages the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965

1980 – Kennedy writes and passes the Refugee Act

Here is an excerpt of the letter to Senator Kennedy's family:

With the passing of the great Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the immigrant and refugee community has lost its strongest friend and most beloved ally in the U.S. Congress.

We write to express our deep sadness, but also our profound gratitude for the role Senator Kennedy played in building a more inclusive America. Were it not for the 1965, 1986, and 1990 immigration laws he played such a key role in realizing, many of us would not be in the United States today, and our families may not have had the opportunity to be a part of this great nation...

Finally, here are some reactions to Kennedy's death, from around the Blogosphere:

Dana Houle on Daily Kos Ted Kennedy's Greatest Accomplishment: He Created Americans

Of the many accomplishments of Ted Kennedy, few have had a more profound effect on America—America as a state, as an economy, a society, and as a nation—as the first act he ever managed to passage, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

Frank Sharry on Huffington Post: Remembering the Rock: How Senator Kennedy Helped 200,000 People Fall in Love

Thanks to Kennedy, passage of comprehensive immigration reform is no longer a matter of if but of when.

Mario Solis-Marich on Huffington Post: The Hand of Ted Kennedy

Senator Kennedy will be missed because even though he was a man of privilege he fought for the powerless. As a man of wealth he fought for workers.

FOR America Blog: Immigration Reform Advocates mourn the loss of Ted Kennedy

There was no greater champion for immigrants’ rights and immigration reform than Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His passing is marked by a profound sadness and sense of loss for advocates and activists across the country. The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign and its partner groups know that this signals the loss of a central hero in our fight.

NDN Blog: Edward Kennedy: "A man who saw wrong, and tried to right it:"

On the day the immigration reform legislation failed in 2007, Kennedy predicted its backers would be vindicated. "We will be back and we will prevail," he said. The Liberal Lion's thunderous voice, the strength of his resolve, and ever generous smile will be missing as we work with President Obama and Congress to move on an immigration overhaul that would not be so far along were it not for the decades he spent laying the groundwork.

Nezua: Weekly Immigration Wire: Kennedy Was Friend to Immigrants

SENATOR TED KENNEDY’S DEATH yesterday was a blow to the immigrant community. For over 40 years, Kennedy was a fighter for immigrant rights and is remembered for many valuable contributions that moved the nation closer toward humane treatment of new Americans.

Think Progress: What Happens To Immigration Reform Now That The ‘Stalwart Of The Senate’ Is Gone:

While some argue that Kennedy’s death has left a “leadership gap,” the truth is his passing has yielded the floor to new voices who are versed in his political skills and progressive agenda. His notable absence doesn’t mean that his legislative triumphs and moral agenda won’t continue to guide the immigration debate closer to a fair and just solution. It would’ve been easier to reach with him, but it must be achieved without him.

Finally, a "thank you" Tribute to the Senator, in Spanish:

MaribelHastings.com: Muchísimas gracias, Senador Kennedy

El "León" liberal del Senado, Edward M. Kennedy, senador demócrata de Massachusetts, murió y los inmigrantes pierden, en mi opinión, a su más sincero y acérrimo defensor en el Congreso de Estados Unidos.