U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who has represented Washington’s 7th district in Congress since 2017, posted a series of statements on social media criticizing recent immigration policies and warning of the potential consequences for American citizens and institutions.
On September 25, 2025, Jayapal wrote: “If Trump’s ICE can kidnap and disappear immigrants with legal status and visas, then they can do the same to U.S. citizens. ALL of our rights are under attack. We must stand up and fight back against these cruel and unconstitutional immigration policies.”
Later that day, as discussions about a possible government shutdown continued in Washington, Jayapal commented on political negotiations between parties: “The clock is ticking closer to a government shutdown. Yet Trump canceled today’s meeting to negotiate. Democrats are fighting to make sure you keep your health care and lower costs. Republicans don’t care. It’s that simple.”
On September 26, she addressed changes affecting visa recipients: “Trump’s new $100k fee for H-1B visa recipients will completely upend research taking place in WA and across this country. This is bad for our hospitals, our economy, our communities — full stop.”
Jayapal has served as the representative for Washington’s 7th District since replacing Jim McDermott in 2017 after previously serving in the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016. Born in Chennai (formerly Madras State) in 1965, she currently resides in Seattle at age 57. Her academic background includes degrees from Georgetown University (1986) and Northwestern University (1990).
