Posted by
Corthell on Sunday, December 20, 2009 5:05:01 PM
"I believe the support base for this kind of compassionate and comprehensive legislation is strong and far reaching, and I believe the votes are there to pass it. I have always said that immigration reform will not be easy; but it is time we had a workable plan working its way through Congress that recognizes the vast contributions of immigrants to this country and that honors the American Dream." - Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL).
US Lawmakers who continue to call for immigration reform claimed at press conference and rally that the current economic debacle should not deter legislation legalizing illegal immigrants. The Congressmen have been actively talking to advocacy and civil rights groups, faith-based groups, labor groups and their colleagues on the Hill -- particularly members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) -- to identify the most essential components of such a comprehensive bill.
A coalition of Democrats led by Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep. Michael Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus stated that fixing the immigration system can help American workers as well, although they fell short of actually spelling out how it would help American citizens.
These leaders proposed that illegal immigrants register with the US government, pay a $500 fine for each adult, learn English, pass background checks and meet other requirements. Then they would become eligible for a special six-year visa followed by access to a green card.
"We simply cannot wait any longer for a bill that keeps our families together, protects our workers and allows a pathway to legalization for those who have earned it," said Rep. Gutierrez. "Saying immigration is a priority for this Administration or this Congress is not the same as seeing tangible action, and the longer we wait, the more every single piece of legislation we debate will be obstructed by our failure to pass comprehensive reform." http://www.newswithviews.com/NWV-News/news178.htm