Immigration Law

Introduction of Immigration Reform Bill Jump Starts Reform Talks Going Into 2010

By Robert Kraft

This press release is from the Immigration Policy Center:
 
December 15, 2009
 
Washington D.C. - Today, Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) introduced the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP), in the House of Representatives.  The 87 original co-sponsors of the bill include members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Black Caucus, Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Progressive Caucus.
 
The necessity of comprehensive immigration reform stems from a long-neglected immigration system that has failed to keep up with our nation's changing needs, resulting in breakdowns that have crippled our ability to regulate immigration adequately, protect our borders, reunite families, and foster economic opportunity.
 
The CIR ASAP bill includes many of the elements necessary to bring our immigration system in tune with the current social and economic demands of our nation including, family reunification, restoration of judicial discretion, a generous legalization program, sensible law enforcement, and creative, if untested, answers to future immigration flows.
 
"Our current immigration system fails to reflect the realities of 21st century America, and CIR ASAP begins to deal with these failings and sets us on a path towards enacting fair and humane immigration policies," said Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center. "We need to move forward, even in tough economic times, if we wish to ensure the future growth and prosperity of our nation. Introduction of this bill jump starts the New Year, providing a vehicle for other lawmakers to react to and build upon. We expect many more proposals in the Senate and House in the coming months and urge lawmakers to make this a fact-based debate with the goal of passing reform in 2010."
 
"While the Gutierrez bill doesn't have all the answers, it begins the dialogue in Congress," said Ben Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council. "The bill reflects the political realities within the House of Representatives, and as such does not include some of the necessary reforms for ensuring economic prosperity which Gutierrez has long supported. It is clear that what makes good policy does not always make good politics. However, the bill makes a significant contribution to restoring due process and discretion to the immigration system, and serves as a starting point for bringing more voices to the table."

Full post as published by Immigration Law Answers Blog on December 15, 2009 (boomark / email).