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LULAC Hails the Introduction of Bipartisan Immigration Reform Legislation in the Senate as a Promising Solution to our Broken Immigration System

LULAC Will Engage Its Vast Grassroots Network For Complete Passage Of The Bill

April 17, 2013

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, 202-833-6130, PZuleta (at) LULAC . org

Today, a bipartisan group of senators who have been working for months on immigration reform legislation filed the first bill in decades that attempts to fix our nation’s broken immigration system with realistic and pragmatic measures. LULAC applauds the U.S. Senate’s “Gang of Eight” for introducing immigration legislation that offers a roadmap to citizenship for millions of hard-working immigrants who seek an opportunity at the American dream.

While the bill is not perfect LULAC is pleased with most of the provisions. It is obvious that both parties gave ground which is evidence of true compromise. LULAC is heartened that the DREAM students and agricultural workers will have a shorter path to citizenship in the proposed plan. LULAC has consistently advocated for a family reunification component as part of immigration reform and is concerned that the proposed bill scales back family-sponsored immigration by eliminating the ability to sponsor siblings, or children over the age of 30. Likewise, LULAC is dispirited that same-sex couples may not benefit from the proposed legislation; and is opposed to making the pathway to citizenship contingent on additional border enforcement measures which are a waste of taxpayer dollars. There is sufficient data to indicate that border states are already safe – in fact the safest in the country – and misspending billions on apprehension and enforcement is nothing but an expensive attempt to win over immigration opponents.

“Our nation urgently needs a bi-partisan effective and practical immigration system that will reflect the best of America's values,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “The bill that has been crafted by the “Gang of Eight” is a strong step in the right direction for our country, and our families. Fixing our broken immigration system is long overdue, as immigrants have always contributed to the fabric of this country, and eight in ten are in favor of establishing pathways to citizenship. Our country has always stood as a beacon of unbridled opportunity for those who work hard and play by the rules. We cannot simply close our doors to honest, hard-working people that have sought freedom or economic opportunities in this great nation.”

LULAC has a rich history of advocacy in civil rights, economic development, immigration and equal opportunity. LULAC is committed to the passage of fair and just immigration reform and will continue to ensure that the final bill positively impacts the 11 million undocumented immigrants that are living in the shadows of a nation that prides itself on hard work, freedom and liberty.

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About LULAC: The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.