Hispanics Urge GOP To Join Immigration Reform

Framework provides opportunity for Republicans to come to the table

WASHINGTON, DC – The leaders of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) called on the Senate Republicans to begin a dialogue and debate on comprehensive immigration reform following the announcement by Senate Democrats yesterday regarding their release of a framework by which to move reform forward. Majority Leader Harry Reid was joined by Senators Dick Durbin, Chuck Schumer, Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein and Bob Menendez yesterday to unveil their efforts to bring millions of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and promote a more balanced and humane immigration policy.

“Senator Reid and his colleagues are moving to refocus the debate to comprehensive immigration reform in Congress.  We will fully review the framework to determine whether it meets the pressing and critical issues affecting the Latino undocumented residents,” said Lillian Rodriguez-López, Chair, NHLA and President of the Hispanic Federation.  “We encourage Senate Republicans to join their colleagues in a constructive debate that will move immigration reform forward, reunite families and make America stronger.”

While it has long been argued that comprehensive immigration reform would be difficult to introduce this Congress, millions of hard working Hispanic men and women cannot afford to wait in the face of growing anti-immigrant sentiment, ICE raids, 287(g) agreements and, most importantly, radical and discriminatory legislation like Arizona’s SB1070 which promotes racial profiling throughout the state.

“Recent events in Arizona remind us that what our nation urgently needs is not discriminatory police powers, but instead comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the best of America's values,” said Rosa Rosales, Vice Chair, NHLA and President of the League of United Latin American Citizens.  “This proposal includes important reforms such as reducing the backlog of individuals seeking residency or citizenship, family reunification, and a pathway to legalization for over 10 million people seeking documentation.  These are exactly the reform measures we’ve been advocating for and we welcome the Senators’ efforts to advance them.  We look forward to receiving details in the bill.”

Established in 1991, The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.

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