LULAC Applauds Rep. Gutierrez for Introducing Comprehensive Immigration Reform
December 15, 2009
Contact: Lizette Jenness Olmos (202) 365-4553 mobile
Washington, DC – LULAC, the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country, joined by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Progressive Caucus, today praised Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) for the introduction of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act. There are more than 80 co-sponsors that have already signed up for the legislation.
“This bill says 'enough,' and presents a solution to our broken system that we as a nation of immigrants can be proud of,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. “We are overjoyed that Congressman Luis Gutierrez has taking a leading role in this effort and working with a coalition of diverse groups to finally get this legislation passed. We hope to have a bill before Congress recesses for the holidays so there is no excuse for the New Year.”
The bill includes provisions strengthening border security, creating a streamlined employment verification system, altering the visa program to promote the reunification of families and establishing a commission to recommend changes to the current system of H-1B and H-2B visas for skilled workers. The measure also contains an "earned legalization program" for current undocumented workers, giving them the chance to get legal status if they pay a $500 fine, pass a criminal background check and show that they have made valuable contributions to American society "through employment, education, military service or other volunteer/community service."
Congressman Luis Gutierrez stated today that we have waited patiently for a workable solution to our immigration crisis to be taken up by this Congress and our President. The time for waiting is over.
Poll after poll demonstrates that the majority of Americans support Comprehensive Immigration Reform that restores the rule of law by including legalization and enforcement.
“We applaud Congressman Gutierrez and urge presidential and congressional leadership to move forward and deliver successful legislation,” said Rosales.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.