USA IMMIGRATION NEWS

Advocates Call for Comprehensive US Immigration Reform

Monday, 19 October 2009

On October 13th, 2009 U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, D-IL (Rep. Gutierrez) addressed a rally on the west lawn of the United States Capitol, to outline his vision for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR).

Rep. Gutierrez has been a leader in the fight to get CIR passed. Rep. Gutierrez has reached out to advocacy, civil rights, faith-based and labor groups and his colleagues on the Hill to identify the most crucial components of a CIR bill.

In a recent statement, Rep. Gutierrez commented on the state of CIR saying:

"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. It is time we had a workable plan making its way through Congress that recognizes the vast contributions of immigrants to this country and that honors the American Dream. I am preparing such a plan, and will introduce it in the near future."

Rep. Gutierrez envisions that a CIR bill should include the following core principles:

1. Pathway to legalization;
2. Professional and effective border enforcement;
3. Fair and humane interior enforcement;
4. Efficient employment verification systems;
5. A system that showcases U.S. commitment to family values and unity;
6. Fair employment-based visa system;
7. An agreement between labor and agribusiness;
8. Dream Act; and
9. Immigrant integration

Bernie Wolfsdorf, president of the American Lawyers Association praised Rep. Gutierrez's statements saying:

"[Rep.] Gutierrez has long been a strong and vocal leader in the CIR movement. We welcome his introduction of this new CIR bill and look forward to working with him and other members of congress as a starting point to craft a bill that will once and for all fix this nation's broken immigration system and help spur the country back to economic recovery."

Recently, New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, also affirmed his support for CIR. The Mayor, who is now running for re-election, produced campaign material celebrating immigrants "The Lifeblood of New York City". The material articulates the Mayor's position on CIR stating:

"Mayor Mike Bloomberg firmly believes that immigrants are the lifeblood of New York City.

That's why he has been a staunch advocate for immigrants, locally and on the national stage. The Mayor has long spoken out for comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship, and he strongly supports the DREAM Act, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants to become citizens in exchange for attending college or performing military service."

Earlier this month the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) also released their proposal for CIR. Leith Anderson, NAE president commented on the need for CIR stating:

"Our current immigration system is broken. Efforts to maintain secure and efficient borders have been ineffective and, too often, inhumane. Our visa system for legal immigration is antiquated, bureaucratic and insufficient to meet both labor force and family reunification needs. Those who want to play by the rules, both employers and employees, often have no realistic options."

The NAE maintains that the following fundamental principles are necessary to fix the current U.S. immigration system:

1. Immigrants should be treated with respect and mercy.
2. National borders must be safeguarded with efficiency and respect for human dignity.
3. Immigration laws should recognize the central importance of the family and provide for reduction in backlogs for family reunification.
4. There should be a clear and workable system for legally admitting an adequate number of immigrants to meet both workforce and family reunification needs.
5. There must be a sound, equitable process for currently undocumented immigrants who wish to assume the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship to earn legal status.
6. There should be fair labor and civil laws for all who reside in the United States, reflecting the best of our nation's heritage.
7. Immigration enforcement must recognize due process of law, the sanctity of the human person and the incomparable value of family.

President Obama has consistently maintained that after heath care reform is passed he would like congress to focus on CIR. There seems to be no shortage of ideas and support for CIR however, the next step is for congress to move forward on the issue.

If you are interested in Visas to USA, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the United States of America.