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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566
NCLR WELCOMES HOUSE DEMOCRATS’ IMMIGRATION REFORM PROPOSAL, URGES REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TO PUSH REFORM FORWARD
Today, Reps. Joe Garcia (D–Fla.), Judy Chu (D–Calif.), Jared Polis (D–Colo.), Steven Horsford (D–Nev.) and Suzan DelBene (D–Wash.) introduced the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act,” a bill that contains bipartisan-backed provisions from the Senate immigration bill as well as the border security bill passed unanimously by the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security.
“It has been nearly 100 days since the Senate passed bipartisan immigration reform legislation, yet the House remains a stumbling block. However, we welcome today’s promise of hope in the form of a proposal by House Democrats,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “Now is the time for the House to deliver the solutions America needs, and one thing is clear: America deserves a vote. Today’s proposal reaffirms that restoring the rule of law requires a functioning, modern immigration system.
“As with any compromise, this proposal includes painful concessions. However, our community will continue to actively engage in this process to ensure we reach a solution that guarantees accountability, effective enforcement and, most importantly, an earned roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans,” noted Murguía.
The movement to enact immigration reform grows larger every day across all segments of American society. Over 100 events are taking place throughout the country this week, culminating in Washington, D.C. next Tues., Oct. 8, when advocates will deliver a categorical call for the House of Representatives to pass immigration reform this year.
“For America’s Latinos, this issue is a litmus test that will shape the political attitudes of our community,” Murguía stated. “The voices of our electorate were heard loud and clear last November. How Congress moves forward with immigration reform will have lasting effects on the approximately 900,000 Latino citizens who will become eligible to vote every year between now and 2028.”
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