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  Comprehensive Immigration Reform

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May 2010

Senate Democrats Release Blueprint for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

On Thursday, Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Robert Menedez (D-NJ) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) released a blueprint for comprehensive immigration reform. The blueprint lays the framework for what is likely to be included in comprehensive immigration reform legislation when Congress decides to take up the measure this year.

The framework for the legislation closely resembles the bipartisan reform plan announced by Senators Schumer (D-NY) and Graham (R-SC) earlier this year which called for enhanced security measures; strengthening border security and interior enforcement, creating a process to admit temporary workers; and implementing a tough but fair path to legalization for undocumented immigrants already here. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states that the framework needs work, but is an "important first step" in the process of achieving enactment of comprehensive immigration reform. To view the press release, please click here.

The blueprint comes after the recently passed immigration law in Arizona which allows law enforcement officials to detain and arrest individuals suspected of being unlawfully present in the United States. As stated by the Most Reverend John C. Wester, Chairman, USCCB Committee on Immigration, the Arizona law (SB 1070) could possibly lead to the profiling of individuals based upon their appearance, manner of speaking, or ethnicity. To view the Bishop's Statement in response to the Arizona law, please click here.

While the Senators have laid the framework for a comprehensive reform, legislation has yet to be introduced in the Senate. The timing for the immigration debate remains uncertain. However, Senator Schumer has indicated that he would like to move a bill this year, but needs bipartisan support. According to the Congressional Quarterly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said "Unless we have Republican help, we're not going to have a bill on the floor."

Catholic Charities USA in collaboration with USCCB and other Catholic partners continue to advocate for enactment of just and comprehensive policies for newcomers while maintaining the security and economic health of our nation. Please look for updates in future editions of Washington Weekly.

For more information, please contact Patrick Ness, Catholic Charities’ Office for Social Justice, by calling 651-291-4484 or by email.