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Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Forwarded from:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform
On May 25, 2006, the U.S. Senate passed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (CIRA, S. 2611) of 2006, 62-36. Although it is not perfect, the legislation incorporates many of the elements endorsed by the U.S. bishops, including a path to citizenship for the undocumented, a temporary worker program for future flows of workers, and reductions in family reunification waiting times. This is in contrast to H.R. 4437, the Border Security, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Prevention Act of 2005, passed by the full House of Representatives in December, which only includes enforcement measures.
The next step in the legislative process involves reconciling the House and Senate versions of immigration reform in a conference committee. However, the House of Representatives has announced that it will conduct field hearings throughout August to consider provisions of the Senate legislation not yet considered by the House of Representatives. It is likely that a conference committee will not convene until September, at the earliest.
In December, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) opposed H.R. 4437. Upon passage of S. 2611, the USCCB lauded the bill as a step in the right direction which encompassed many of the elements endorsed by the U.S. bishops. The USCCB encouraged the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to work together to produce a just, humane, and fair comprehensive immigration reform bill before the end of the year. At their Los Angeles meeting, the full body of U.S. bishops called upon Congress and the President to enact comprehensive immigration reform before the end of the year.
It is vital that the you communicate with House members throughout July and August asking them to endorse a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Any legislation agreed to should include 1). a viable path to citizenship for the 11-12 million undocumented in the country; 2). a temporary worker program which protects the rights of all workers; 3). reform of the family-based immigration system to reduce waiting times for family reunification; and 4). restoration of due process protections for immigrants.
If you prefer to personally call your Representative you can use the following link to find their contact information and use some of the talking points we provide you with. You can also simply use your own talking points if you prefer.
In Addition, it is important that you thank those Senators who supported CIRA, S. 2611, and communicate with those Senators who opposed it. (Our computer system will automatically let you know how your Senators voted.)
If you prefer to personally call your Senators you can use the following link to find their contact information and use some of the talking points we provide you with. You can also simply use your own talking points if you prefer.
Finally, please be aware that House and Senate field hearings will be held throughout the country in August. It is important that (Arch)dioceses in which the hearings are held are involved in field activities to influence the outcome of the hearings.
Enter here for more detailed information on
each one of these legislative proposals
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