Tuesday
Dec152009
House Democrats Unveil Immigration Reform Bill
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 5:11PM
By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and more than 20 like-minded House Democrats unveiled new legislation Tuesday to reform immigration. Under the new bill millions of illegal immigrant could legalize their status.
"We have waited patiently for a workable solution to our immigration crisis to be taken up by this Congress and this President," said Gutierrez. "The time for waiting is over. This bill will be presented before Congress recesses for the holidays so that there is no excuse for inaction in the New Year."
The bill, with full support of the Black, Hispanic, Asian and other progressive Congressional caucuses, proposes that illegal immigrants should have the right to register with the government, and after paying a $500 fine per adult, learning English and passing background checks, become eligible for a six-year visa and eventually a green card.
“Border security, that is a concern of all of ours,” Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.). “We need to know everyone that is in the United States today...Not have people living in shadows.”
Many critics see a rough road ahead for immigration reform legislation, particularly with the U.S. unemployment rate at 10 percent and mid-term elections approaching.
“We want to make sure American workers get the first crack at all American jobs,” Gutierrez said. “But we want to invite immigrants to come here, bring their money, bring their knowledge, bring their entrepreneurship. We’ll let them in as long as they come here and create jobs for Americans.”
President Barack Obama said in August that he is confident that Congress would pass legislation that would overhaul immigration. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are expected to introduce an immigration bill in the Senate by February of 2010.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and more than 20 like-minded House Democrats unveiled new legislation Tuesday to reform immigration. Under the new bill millions of illegal immigrant could legalize their status.
"We have waited patiently for a workable solution to our immigration crisis to be taken up by this Congress and this President," said Gutierrez. "The time for waiting is over. This bill will be presented before Congress recesses for the holidays so that there is no excuse for inaction in the New Year."
The bill, with full support of the Black, Hispanic, Asian and other progressive Congressional caucuses, proposes that illegal immigrants should have the right to register with the government, and after paying a $500 fine per adult, learning English and passing background checks, become eligible for a six-year visa and eventually a green card.
“Border security, that is a concern of all of ours,” Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.). “We need to know everyone that is in the United States today...Not have people living in shadows.”
Many critics see a rough road ahead for immigration reform legislation, particularly with the U.S. unemployment rate at 10 percent and mid-term elections approaching.
“We want to make sure American workers get the first crack at all American jobs,” Gutierrez said. “But we want to invite immigrants to come here, bring their money, bring their knowledge, bring their entrepreneurship. We’ll let them in as long as they come here and create jobs for Americans.”
President Barack Obama said in August that he is confident that Congress would pass legislation that would overhaul immigration. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are expected to introduce an immigration bill in the Senate by February of 2010.
Hispanic Caucus Applauds AZ Immigration Ruling
By Brandon Kosters - Talk Radio News Service
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus praised U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton for enjoining parts of the new Arizona immigration law, and discussed what can be done to improve living conditions for illegals nationwide.
Bolton yesterday filed preliminary injunctions against the parts of the bill that required immigrants to carry proof of citizenship at all times, and required police to inquire about citzenship status, a measure which opponents felt encouraged racial profiling.
Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) applauded Bolton’s ruling, saying “[God] didn’t say ‘love they neighbor’ because they’re U.S. citizens…[He] said, ‘love thy neighbor.’”
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) touted a bill that the Hispanic Caucus has drafted, that would require the use of magnified, federally issued Social Security cards. The bill would also prosecute employers who don’t use the cards.
Gutierrez said the immigration debate should not focus on the immigrant population in the U.S. in terms of numbers, but rather in terms of individuals and families who have established roots in the country. He challenged “pro-life”, “pro-family values” politicians who “would take a child in the womb of the mother…[and] would say ‘you must have that child’…’That child has the right to be born.’ And when the child is born, [they want] to deport that child.”