WASHINGTON, DC –  Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) was joined by a coalition of more than 90 members of the House of Representatives to introduce H.R. 4321, the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity” (CIR ASAP) Act.  As Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Velázquez is working to enact legislation that accomplishes three goals fundamental to reform: increased national security, economic stability and family unity. 

“My goal is to ensure that no New York City family is forced to live in the shadows because of our nation’s unjust immigration policies.  This comprehensive bill takes the steps needed to repair our broken system, strengthen border security and put an end to the policies that tear families apart,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. 

The “Comprehensive Immigration Reform ASAP” bill seeks to increase security at the borders and ports of entry, and protect the legal rights of detainees.  To strengthen the economy, the legislation requires all undocumented workers to pay taxes and regulates the recruitment of workers from abroad to ensure available jobs go to American workers first. The Congressional Budget Office has reported that these reforms could lead to an additional $66 billion in tax revenues over 10 years.  Finally, this measure will help to keep families together, by creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and reducing family backlogs.  Velázquez said that she would be working with her colleagues to swiftly move the legislation. 

“While this issue presents a daunting challenge, our nation can no longer afford to wait to tackle this matter,” Velázquez said.  “With the introduction of this bill, we are laying down a marker to say unequivocally that the time has come for our nation to finally address immigration.”

A complete summary of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act can be found here. 

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