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Solution to Deportations Requires a Vote on Immigration Reform
April 07, 2014
Broken Policies, Politics Put America Between a Rock and a Hard Place
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sunday, Jeb Bush spoke about the importance of family unity and the effect our outdated immigration policies have on families. And this morning, the New York Times published an in-depth analysis on deportations in the past few years.
Bush's comments and the deportation data both underscore the destabilizing effects our broken immigration system has on families, communities and our nation as a whole — effects that are leading moderate and conservative leaders across the country to call for a vote on immigration reform this Congress.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding the path forward on reform:
"With a broken immigration system, America is between a rock and a hard place. We have an unprecedented, unfocused enforcement system on one end and a recalcitrant, reactionary Congress on the other. As a result, families are separated, the economy is undermined and communities across America are destabilized. Now is the time for Republicans and Democrats to put policy above politics and vote on reform.
"There's no question that law enforcement is part of the conversation on reform, but we cannot enforce our way to a solution. The only way we enforce our borders and address the alarming effects of deportations at the same time is through congressional action. It's absolutely imperative that Congress find the middle ground."
Bipartisan House Bill Would Improve Transparency at Our Borders
March 26, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the nation awaits a vote on broad immigration reform that will bring long-term stability and security to our families and our economy, bipartisan members of the House are taking a step to improve border policy.
Today Congressmen Steve Pearce (NM-02) and Beto O'Rourke (TX-16) are introducing a border accountability bill that deals with training and oversight of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. It would increase training and would require greater transparency and reports on the use of force and migrant deaths.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding the bipartisan effort:
"A bipartisan bill from the border and for the border is a significant step toward a commonsense enforcement policy. This legislation would help ensure that transparency within Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a requirement, not just an option.
"The administration also is prioritizing greater transparency and should continue to do so. For example, CBP should release the Police Executive Research Forum's report on its use-of-force policy. The bottom line is that we need humane border policy that boosts safety and security.
"Republicans and Democrats can work together. The nation is ready for immigration reform, and bipartisan proposals such as this bill can point the way forward toward real solutions."
Noorani, Immigration Leaders Meet with President Obama
March 14, 2014
Amid Deportation Review, Long-term Answers Are in Congress's Hands
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, President Obama met with immigration leaders concerned about our nation's broken immigration system. The gathering comes on the heels of Catholic and evangelical leaders' meetings with key Republican House offices on Wednesday and amid local faith, law enforcement and business leaders' continuing appeals for Congress to move forward.
This week's events underscore that national leaders and local constituents will not let up on their members of Congress, but instead will keep up the push for commonsense reform this year.
"At today's meeting with the President I reaffirmed the Hispanic evangelical commitment to call for an immigration reform vote in the House this year," said Rev. Gabriel Salguero, President of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, who participated in both the evangelical-Catholic meetings and today's meeting with the president. "While we affirm an administrative review of deportation policies the reality is that we need a vote to fix a broken system that is hurting families. Evangelicals, business, and law enforcement want a vote this year."
"Our current immigration system destabilizes our nation's families, communities and economy," added Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, who was also in today's White House meeting. "The president's request for a review recognizes that. But the long-term answer must come from the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Only Congress can pass broad immigration reform that emphasizes our security and ensures economic, family and community stability.
"The ultimate responsibility for the laws and resources that lead to deportation lies with Congress. They must act. This year."
Ali Noorani Joins Immigration Meeting with President Obama
March 14, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Obama meets with immigration leaders today, conservative support for congressional action on immigration reform continues to build around the country, fueled by the unprecedented mobilization of those who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business. Since January 2013, these unlikely allies have organized 370 events, generated more than 1,000 news stories and held hundreds of meetings with members and their offices.
"As we approach the unprecedented number of 2 million deportations, too many of them unnecessary, conservative pastors, local law enforcement and business owners want an end to outdated policies that separate families, decrease public safety, and destabilize our economy. These leaders see immigrants not just as workers or customers, but as valued members of their families, congregations and communities," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, in advance of his meeting with the President.
"We support the president's review of the administration's deportation process, but it is clearly a stopgap measure; to permanently fix the broken system, Congress must once and for all enact commonsense reforms to our immigration system. For real solutions, the House must vote on immigration reform this year."
Department of Homeland Security Releases Use-of-Force Policies
March 07, 2014
Release Represents Important Step toward Departmental Transparency
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its existing use-of-force policies for the department as a whole as well as its Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agencies. Chief of the Border Patrol Michael Fisher also released a directive on safe tactics in the use of force at the border.
The release follows Los Angeles Times coverage of a report, conducted by the nonprofit, third-party Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), which reviewed the use-of-force policies in place at DHS.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding the release of the use-of-force policies:
"We are encouraged by the Department on Homeland Security's transparency in releasing their use-of-force policies, and we applaud Secretary Jeh Johnson's first step toward fulfilling his commitment to run a transparent department.
"This release is an important step in the right direction: toward measured use of force on the border and increased safety and security for our border patrol agents.
"We look forward to continued transparency around our border security, and we encourage the department to release the full PERF report on the department's use-of-force policies and procedures."
Gil Kerlikowske Confirmed as Head of Customs and Border Protection
March 06, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, the U.S. Senate confirmed Gil Kerlikowske as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
After the confirmation, Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"We congratulate Gil Kerlikowse on his confirmation as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. His years of experience as a law enforcement officer and our nation's drug czar will help him tackle the daily challenges of this post.
"We hope he will bring additional transparency to Customs and Border Protection, especially when it comes to the agency's use of force policy. The security of our nation's borders is also a critical component of the immigration reform discussion, and Kerlikowske will provide the leadership Customs and Border Protection needs to continue to prioritize an effective border security strategy.
"As bipartisan immigration reform moves forward this year, we look forward to working closely with the new commissioner on prioritizing a secure border within the context of immigration reform."
The Immigration Compliance Enforcement Act: A Step in the Wrong Direction
March 04, 2014
House Judiciary to Mark Up Congresswoman Black's Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) has scheduled a markup Wednesday morning of the Immigration Compliance Enforcement Act, sponsored by GOP Congresswoman Diane Black (TN-06).
The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for critical immigration positions within the office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including Public Advocate and Deputy Assistant Director of Custody Programs.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding Wednesday's committee markup:
"Immigration reform is a top priority nationwide. Members of both parties, including Chairman Goodlatte, have gone on the record in favor of fixing our broken immigration system.
"Tomorrow's markup is a step in the wrong direction. Rather than signaling a desire to move forward, it entertains an effort to make our immigrant detention system more dysfunctional by cutting critical positions.
"It's time that our representatives stop playing politics by putting forward unnecessary proposals and get back to the business of passing the bipartisan reform that millions of Americans want."
Additional Child Tax Credit Vote Could Harm One Million Undocumented Youth
February 11, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, the Senate is expected to vote on an amendment proposed by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) on the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
The amendment would deny the refundable Child Tax Credit to 1 million undocumented youth.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding today's vote:
"This amendment targets the most vulnerable among us — young, undocumented children from low-income families.
"If we are to realize any immigration changes this year, they must be compassionate and broad efforts to better the lives of all who call our nation home, strengthen our economy and live up to our history as a nation of immigrants.
"Today's amendment does none of those things. Rather, it's a punitive measure that could endanger close to 1 million immigrant children.
"At its most basic level, our movement is about the future, and the children this amendment would harm are an important part of that future."
N-400 Form Change Highlights Significance of Citizenship Process
February 04, 2014
New Paper Underscores Critical Importance of Citizenship
WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the nation's 8.8 million green card holders eligible for citizenship, taking the critical step to becoming a citizen is about to require much more information.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this morning that in 90 days, the N-400 — the citizenship application form all aspiring Americans must fill out — will double in length.
With today's announcement and in the midst of an ongoing national debate on immigration reform, the National Immigration Forum released a new policy paper today on the merits of citizenship. The paper outlines the socioeconomic benefits for new Americans and their communities, as well as the huge swath of support citizenship has across the political spectrum.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement about the importance of citizenship and the N-400 form change:
"We've had a very active couple of weeks on immigration reform, but today's USCIS announcement about the N-400 form allows us to re-examine the very important issue of citizen integration.
"As we continue to debate the merits of immigration, let's not forget about the 8.8 million green card holders eligible for citizenship right now.
"They are a source of untapped economic and social potential. Instead of making their citizenship application process longer, we should be promoting citizenship and all the socioeconomic benefits associated with it."
House Republicans Release Standards on Immigration Reform
January 30, 2014
Move Represents Important Step Toward Reform this Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today during the annual House Republican retreat, Republicans released standards on immigration reform. The standards discuss ways to reform our broken immigration system in a way that secures our nation's borders, meets the needs of employers and addresses legalization, including citizenship for DREAMers.
In response, Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"With today's release of these standards, House leaders are showing their sincere intentions to take action on commonsense immigration reform this Congress. Republicans and Democrats now must commit to a respectful debate that moves us forward as a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws.
"It won't be easy. But both parties have unparalleled support from their constituents. From farms to corner offices and from police stations to church pews, Americans continue to urge reform.
"We applaud the release of these principles as a concrete, positive step toward commonsense reform. The next step is legislative action.
"House leadership recognizes that this long overdue debate will move our country forward. They must stay focused on commonsense reform that will boost our economy, help us treat our neighbors compassionately and keep our communities safe."
State of the Union Highlights Bipartisan Support for Immigration Reform
January 28, 2014
President's Speech and Republican Response Both Address Need for Action
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This evening, President Obama gave his State of the Union Address from the U.S. House of Representatives, followed by a rebuttal from Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05).
After the speeches, Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"Tonight's remarks were an encouraging sign of the road ahead on immigration reform in 2014.
"Immigration holds a unique space in today's Congress as one of the few issues with such unparalleled bipartisan support. President Obama's comments coupled with Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers' highlight this exceptional opportunity for bipartisan work moving forward.
"The upcoming release of the Republican standards combined with the choice of Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for the State of the Union response underscores House Leadership's full intentions to address commonsense immigration reform this Congress.
"As fourth-ranking House Republican, the congresswoman has a history of strongly supporting immigration reform, saying that Congress 'must pass immigration reform' and noting that 'it's a priority for Republicans, [and] for Democrats.'
"On the heels of tonight's encouraging remarks from both sides of the aisle, we look forward to a productive 2014 for immigration reform."
A New Year's Resolution for Congress: Immigration Reform in 2014
January 02, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to today's New York Times, House Speaker John Boehner is "committed to what he calls 'step by step' moves to revise immigration laws." Following a year in which support for broad, bipartisan reform gained momentum across the political spectrum, 2014 offers renewed prospects for Congress and the nation to reap the benefits of a new immigration process.
"Speaker Boehner and other House Republican leaders want to get immigration reform done," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "They have broadening support among their constituents to make it happen.
"In 2013, a strong majority of Americans realized we need a new immigration process. In 2014, that majority expects not just talk but action. Democratic and Republican leaders alike need to rise above political gamesmanship and pass reform that honors our values and benefits all Americans.
"All signs point to immigration reform in 2014."
Senate Confirms Alejandro Mayorkas as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
December 20, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, the United States Senate confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas as the new Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.
After the confirmation, Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"We congratulate Alejandro Mayorkas on his appointment as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.
"With his extensive immigration experience as director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Mayorkas is well prepared for this challenging post.
"Now that DHS has its secretary and deputy secretary in place, it has the leadership it needs as it continues to prioritize a secure border and uphold the laws of this nation of immigrants. As broad, bipartisan immigration reform moves forward in Congress next year, we also look forward to working with this new leadership on implementing a new immigration process."
ICE Announces Annual Deportation Numbers
December 19, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced deportation numbers for fiscal year 2013, which ended Sept. 30. Total deportations numbered 368,644.
However, tens of thousands of individuals who had no criminal conviction were deported from the United States. As noted in a newly updated National Immigration Forum policy paper released today, "An increasing number of states, counties, and localities are starting to reconsider how they respond to ICE detainers."
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"It's clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is working to focus its resources on deporting criminals. We are encouraged that a higher proportion of deportees had criminal convictions.
"But ICE is still removing people with no criminal record who are just trying to build a life in America — including tens of thousands this past year. These numbers highlight the urgency for broad immigration reform from Congress that stresses accountability and moves our country forward. In 2014, leaders simply must follow through on a new immigration process that emphasizes security, freedom, opportunity and human dignity."
Top Conservative Leaders Laud Successes of 2013, Urge Action on Immigration Reform in 2014
December 18, 2013
**For recording of today's call click here.**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform (BBB) leaders hosted a media call to highlight the progress made on immigration reform in 2013 and the opportunities 2014 holds. Speakers discussed the unique momentum for reform in the final year of the 113th Congress.
The following quotes can be attributed to participants in today's media call:
Al Cardenas, Chairman, American Conservative Union:
"I am encouraged by the positive activity in the House Chamber toward passage of conservative and principled immigration reform. There remains a lot of work ahead but I am hopeful about its prospects next year."
Randel K. Johnson, Senior Vice President of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits, U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
"The time is now for immigration reform. We've got work ahead of us, but no one in this coalition is into tilting at windmills; we believe we can get this done. We're going to continue working hard over the next several months. It's our job to keep moving forward and lay the groundwork for reform, and that's what we'll continue to do at the U.S. Chamber."
Dr. Russell Moore, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:
"There are several ways that our country is deeply divided, but immigration reform is not one of those areas. There is a remarkable consensus in the country that our immigration system isn't working as is. As an evangelical Christian I believe that our immigrant neighbors are not issues, they're persons created in the image of God, and we need to find a solution to a system that is hurting people. We have a remarkable consensus that this system is broken, and I really am optimistic about the prospects of good, sensible, and law-respecting as well as compassionate immigration reform next year."
Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform:
"I am optimistic that the issue of immigration reform has been advanced this year and is well positioned for 2014. We have seen both individual congressmen and senators as well as the broader movements all moving toward support for broader reforms, and the 'anti' voices receding both in terms of numbers and of loudness. I think we're on track for action this coming year, and the center-right coalition is in a better place on immigration than any time in recent history."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"Across the country and across the political spectrum, Americans are urging members of Congress to support commonsense immigration reform. As Congress embarks on their holiday recess, we see momentum building in the House of Representatives. The fact is, the prospects for immigration reform have never been better."
Join the conversation on Twitter using #Ready4Reform.
Senate Confirms Jeh Johnson as Secretary of Homeland Security
December 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This evening, the United States Senate voted to confirm Jeh Johnson as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.
After the confirmation, Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"We congratulate Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson on his appointment to one of the most challenging jobs in Washington.
"He comes into the position at a crucial time for immigration: tasked with enforcing a broken system while we wait for Congress to move forward on immigration reform.
"We look forward to working with him on enforcing a secure border, extending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, streamlining our immigration system and eventually implementing broad, bipartisan immigration reform.
"The coming year stands to be a blockbuster year for immigration. We congratulate Secretary Johnson, and we look forward to working together."
ICYMI: Bipartisan Budget Vote Sets Stage for Immigration Reform
December 13, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a strong example of bipartisan agreement, the House of Representatives passed a two-year budget deal on Thursday in a 332-94 vote. Speaker John Boehner showed emphatic support for the agreement, perhaps foreshadowing the path forward for bipartisan immigration reform efforts in 2014.
"Our lawmakers' abilities to work across the aisle will continue to be crucial for us to overhaul our broken immigration system," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "The budget deal is a powerful example of Republicans and Democrats leading the country forward.
"The budget vote displayed Speaker Boehner's great willingness to work across the aisle and move forward on issues that have bipartisan support. We look forward to similar leadership in 2014 on the most bipartisan issue in front of Congress: immigration reform."
As President Speaks, Americans are Ready for Immigration Reform
November 25, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, President Obama gave a speech on immigration reform in San Francisco. The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, regarding President Obama's speech:
"President Obama is right when he says 'it is long past time to reform an immigration system that doesn't serve America as well as it should.' And America agrees.
"According to a report today from the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, 60 percent of Republicans favor an opportunity to earn citizenship for immigrants currently living in the United States illegally. Majorities of white evangelical Protestants (55 percent), white mainline Protestants (60 percent), Catholics (62 percent), minority Protestants (69 percent), and the religiously unaffiliated (64 percent) also favor such an opportunity for earned citizenship.
"Meanwhile, in today's Washington Times, Mathew Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, wrote of his support for immigration reform as an evangelical Christian and a political conservative.
"So, while the focus is squarely on Speaker Boehner and his leadership team, he can rest assured that Americans of all stripes are ready for reform and have his back.
"Over the course of year, we have seen the Senate pass bipartisan immigration reform, and House committees have voted on five immigration bills. But every day, the case for immigration reform becomes more clear. The time is now to bring legislation to the House floor."
Cantor: 'We Remain Committed' to Immigration Reform
November 15, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a conversation with Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05) this afternoon on the floor of the House of Representatives, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (VA-07) spoke of Republicans' commitment to immigration reform, although he would not commit to a timeline.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, issued the following statement regarding Majority Leader Cantor's comments:
"Both parties recognize that our immigration system is broken, and both parties want to create a new immigration process that works for all Americans. Majority Leader Cantor's comments make that clear.
"As the majority leader noted, Republican members of Congress are looking for meaningful votes on reform. So are their constituents. As we have seen time and time again in recent weeks and months, conservative leaders support action on immigration reform.
"Action is the key word here. Congress knows we need a better immigration process. House Republicans have the support they need to move reform forward — from conservative faith, law enforcement and business leaders, and from a significant majority of likely voters in Republican districts.
"Immigration reform will create a stronger America. It is time for Congress to transcend politics and make it so."
It's Time to Turn Assurances into Action
November 13, 2013
Speaker Boehner's Comments Emphasize Need to Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During a press conference this morning, Speaker John Boehner spoke of the path forward for immigration reform in the House and reaffirmed his commitment to getting immigration reform done.
Tomorrow, faith, law enforcement and business leaders are coming together for a press conference to further double down on the urgency of reform.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, issued the following statement regarding Speaker Boehner's comments:
"Across the political spectrum, Americans are ready for reform. The 600 conservative leaders who pushed for reform in the House two weeks ago understand the time is now. So do our nation's millions of businesses, faith communities, law enforcement officers and immigrants.
"But the need for legislative principles is long past. Americans are ready for legislation to move, votes to be taken and bills to be signed that create a 21st century immigration process.
"Speaker Boehner and his leadership team have the support of conservative faith, law enforcement and business leaders in districts across America.
"When 70 percent of likely general election voters in Republican districts rate fixing the immigration system as 'very important,' it is time to act.
"Over the years, the policy solutions haven't changed, but the politics of immigration certainly have. The time is now to pass immigration reform."
President Obama: "Let's Get Immigration Reform Done in a Bipartisan Fashion"
October 24, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier today, President Obama delivered prepared remarks where he once again called for a bipartisan solution to our broken immigration system.
Speaking at the White House, Obama cited the unprecedented support that immigration reform has from the faith, business and law enforcement communities.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding President Obama's remarks.
"In the past two days, leaders from both sides of the aisle have urged bipartisan immigration reform. Yesterday, it was Speaker Boehner citing his hopefulness at passing a bill this year. Today, it was President Obama urging a solution in the same time frame.
"Congress is facing no other issue that has the bipartisan support immigration reform has in Washington — and throughout the country.
"Next Tuesday, nearly 600 local conservative leaders will come to Washington to meet with their Republican members of Congress. These Bibles, Badges and Business leaders will echo the message they've been hearing on Main Street over the last 18 months: Americans are ready for reform this year.
"Pastors will bring a message informed by Scripture and their congregations' moral urgency for reform. Law enforcement leaders will speak of how reform will help keep their communities safer. And business leaders will emphasize the many economic benefits of immigration reform — from GDP growth to deficit reduction and access to skilled and unskilled labor.
"Momentum for bipartisan reform is at a fever pitch on both sides of the aisle. The time is now. The House of Representatives must find a solution this year."
Speaker Boehner is "Hopeful" On Immigration Reform This Year
October 23, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, while addressing reporters during a question and answer session, House Speaker John Boehner (OH-08) held open the possibility of bringing up immigration reform for a vote on the House floor this year.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding Speaker Boehner's remarks.
"We welcome Speaker Boehner's remarks on the possibility that immigration reform will come up for a vote this year. Clearly, House Republican leaders are prioritizing reform. Congressmen Mario Díaz-Balart, Darrell Issa and Bob Goodlatte also have given positive signals recently.
"These comments and reports from Republican leadership are certainly positive, and that's why the momentum of support from our nation's local conservative leaders only continues to build.
"On Tuesday, Speaker Boehner will be among the dozens of House Republicans who will hear from more than 400 local leaders who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business. These leaders will share their powerful stories and urge their members of Congress to vote 'yes' on reform this fall.
"The time for bipartisan reform that protects family values, upholds the rule of law and grows the economy has come. The nation's pastors, police chiefs and business owners are ready for reform."
Republicans Continue Immigration Work Behind the Scenes
October 22, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Wall Street Journal and Washington Post reported today that House Republicans are working to address some of the thorniest issues on immigration reform.
According to the Journal, Republican Congressmen Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-25) and Darrell Issa (CA-49) are working separately on measures that would address the legal status of 11 million undocumented immigrants, give them a chance to get right with the law and, in Issa's case, offer certain undocumented immigrants temporary legal status.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding today's news on Republican movement:
"The work that Congressmen Díaz-Balart and Issa are putting in on immigration reform is emblematic of the groundswell of conservative support for reform that's been growing over the last year.
"Across the nation, Republican members of Congress are hearing the call from local conservative leaders for an immigration reform solution based on free market principles, family values and a smart border enforcement strategy. That call will be echoed on October 29, when 300 faith, law enforcement and business leaders visit with their elected members of Congress on Capitol Hill for an unprecedented gathering of pro-reform conservatives.
"Although we await details of their respective proposals, today's news signals what Bibles, Badges and Business leaders across the country knew long ago to be true: Americans are ready for reform and immigration reform is not a partisan issue.
"The time is now for Democrats and Republicans in the House to work together to pass commonsense immigration reform."
Statement on Jeh Johnson's Nomination As Secretary of Homeland Security
October 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this afternoon, President Obama formally announced Jeh Johnson's nomination as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
After the announcement, Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"Jeh Johnson is primed to take over one of the most challenging jobs in Washington.
"Should he be confirmed, he'll immediately be thrust into a position of enforcing a broken immigration system until immigration reform passes.
"We look forward to working closely with him on streamlining our immigration laws and border security enforcement efforts – and eventually collaborating with him on the future implementation of immigration reform legislation."
President Obama Not Alone In Making Immigration Top Priority
October 16, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday night, during an interview with Univisión, President Obama said that immigration reform legislation would be the top priority as soon as the fiscal crisis draws to a close.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding President Obama's commitment and the urgency for reform:
"President Obama is not alone in making immigration reform a top priority. Across the country, local and regional conservative leaders continue to showcase their considerable support for members of Congress who back commonsense and bipartisan reform.
"This week, in fact, there are over 400 'Pray4Reform' gatherings in 40 states where evangelical leaders and their congregations are gathering by the hundreds to express the moral urgency for immigration reform. They add to the several dozen Roundtables for Reform that Bibles, Badges and Business leaders have been holding throughout the August recess and beyond to support members of Congress.
"On October 29, Republicans in the House of Representatives will feel that support in person when Illinois sheriffs, Texas preachers, South Carolina farmers and Indiana business owners come to Washington for the Americans for Reform Day of Action.
"These leaders will echo what's been heard on Main Street over the last 18 months — those who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business are ready for reform.
"Immigration reform is the only truly bipartisan issue that the House of Representatives has on its docket — it's a priority for an overwhelming majority of conservative faith leaders, law enforcement officers and business owners. It must become the top priority for the House of Representatives as soon as possible."
California's Trust Act Highlights Urgency for Federal Action
October 08, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – On Saturday, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the Trust Act, a law that will ensure that only those unauthorized immigrants with serious criminal histories are turned over by California law enforcement for detention and not those who pose no threat to their communities.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding the new California law.
"In the absence of broad immigration reform, states like California are searching for – and passing – smaller-scale fixes for our broken immigration system.
"While efforts like those in California are admirable, we can't rely on a patchwork of state laws as a solution. Laws like the Trust Act show Congress that the urgency is there for federal action on commonsense immigration reform.
"Lawmakers are coming together at statehouses nationwide to address immigration reform. It's time for the House of Representatives to take the lead and bring reform to a vote this fall."
Democrats Unveil Immigration Reform Proposal
October 02, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Earlier this afternoon, Representatives Joe Garcia (FL-26), Judy Chu (CA-27), Steven Horsford (NV-4), Jared Polis (CO-2) and Suzan DelBene (WA-1) unveiled an immigration reform bill.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement on what the Democratic proposal means for immigration reform moving forward:
"Clearly, both Democrats and Republicans are hearing the call for broad immigration reform. This call is coming from constituents across the political spectrum. Today's announcement continues the conversation in Congress.
"The incredible work of Bibles, Badges and Business leaders and other pro-reform groups is forcing members of both parties to seek commonsense solutions for our broken immigration system.
"The coming weeks will be critical. Immigration reform is up next once Congress addresses the budget and debt ceiling. Democrats and Republicans must prove that they're able to continue working constructively on behalf of our nation's businesses, law enforcement officers, faith communities and immigrants.
"Whether it's in home districts or Capitol Hill offices, we will continue working toward a truly bipartisan bill that respects the rule of law and fulfills our heritage as a nation of immigrants."
Momentum Grows As October Rolls Around
September 26, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Over the last few weeks, prominent House Republicans and Democrats such as Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) have begun to lay the foundations for an immigration reform debate this fall.
With Congress taking these first steps, Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement.
"Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives are laying the groundwork for immigration reform in the coming months.
"Chairman Goodlatte's commitment to move ahead in October, along with Democrats working through their options, are positive developments. The more eggs in the legislative basket, the better.
"Clearly, representatives from both parties have heard their constituents' call. We need bipartisan action to replace our broken immigration system.
"But there are still hurdles left to clear. That's why Bibles, Badges and Business leaders continue to ramp up their support for a rational, bipartisan debate leading to passage of legislation this fall. Whether it is in their home districts or in the nation's capital, faith, law enforcement and business leaders will emphasize how important commonsense reform is to our economy, our security and our values.
"Congress has the opportunity to lead the country forward. They should grasp it."
Goodlatte Pledges Action on Immigration Reform as Gang of 7 Fades
September 20, 2013
WASHINGTON — On Thursday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) said his party is committed to immigration reform. This positive statement from a House Republican leader stands in contrast to the news that the bipartisan House Gang of 7 — which never introduced legislation and had long been dormant — lost two Republican members earlier today.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding the news:
"The important news today is that Chairman Goodlatte has pledged to take action in October on immigration reform that addresses visa shortages and gives DREAMers an earned path to citizenship.
"Goodlatte's commitment is a significant development. It mirrors similar statements that more than two dozen Republican representatives have made in the past few months. We remain optimistic that the work put in by members of the faith, business and law enforcement communities these past 18 months — and particularly in August — has changed the debate in Washington.
"While pledges are good, dates for floor votes are even better. From their perch, House leadership can see a consensus emerging from their conference: Passing commonsense reform will boost our economy, help us treat our neighbors compassionately and keep our communities safe."
ICYMI: Businesses Leading the Charge
September 20, 2013
ICYMI: As Businesses Help Employees Become Citizens, Leaders Nationwide Insist House Act on Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing the refrain from a successful August recess, business leaders nationwide are sending resounding messages on the importance of citizenship and support for urgent action on immigration reform.
As a part of the New Americans Campaign's celebration of Citizenship Day on Tuesday, businesses, aspiring Americans and immigration advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., and Miami to highlight the work of the Bethlehem Project — a groundbreaking program that partners local service providers with businesses to provide their citizenship-eligible employees with free or discounted citizenship assistance at the worksite.
At the D.C. event, experts discussed citizenship's benefits to immigrants and to the economy. Marizza Contreras, a legal permanent resident, shared her personal story of how the Bethlehem Project helped her overcome many of the barriers aspiring Americans face. Meanwhile in Miami, citizenship sessions at Baptist Health South Florida allowed aspiring citizens such as Dinorah Soriano to take the first step toward the "opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream" that otherwise would be out of reach.
Business leaders nationwide also have continued their push for immigration reform, with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg meeting with congressional leaders Wednesday and more than 100 businesses signing on to a letter to House leadership urging them to pass legislation to overhaul the current, broken immigration system this year. In an ad posted on the Politico website, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reissued a similar letter signed by more than 450 businesses.
Their argument was convincing: immigration reform stands to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, reduce the federal deficit by $2.7 trillion in the next ten years, revitalize cities nationwide and create a stable legal framework for businesses to flourish
The business push was joined by law enforcement officials calling for reform. In North Carolina last week, former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff gathered with local faith and business leaders to discuss the importance of immigration reform. The event, hosted by Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform, the Bipartisan Policy Center and the North Carolina Farm Bureau, drew more than 100 attendees and another 100 viewers on the livestream. Secretary Chertoff addressed the unsustainable current immigration system and highlighted the benefits of moral, commonsense reform for the faith, law enforcement and business communities.
The urgency expressed by businesses, faith leaders and law enforcement officials has made an impact on key House leadership. Earlier this week,House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) laid out the most optimistic recent timeline for immigration reform yet, calling for a vote in October.
"The House of Representatives has other issues on its plate right now, but faith, law enforcement and business leaders expect action on immigration soon," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "House members have been taking notice. They know they need to act on commonsense immigration reform that's good for our nation's economy, security and moral integrity."
Businesses, Immigrants and Advocates Shine Light on Economic Benefits of Citizenship
September 17, 2013
The New Americans Campaign Highlights Links between Citizenship and Prosperity
40 Events Nationwide Are Helping Aspiring Americans Take the Final Step Toward Citizenship
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of their nationwide celebration of Citizenship Day, business executives, aspiring Americans and immigration advocates – all partners of the New Americans Campaign – gathered this morning at the Hyatt Regency Washington to highlight the link between citizenship and prosperity.
Using data from a recent University of Southern California study on the economic impact of citizenship at the micro and macro levels, speakers at the event focused on the urgency of helping the country's 8.8 million legal permanent residents eligible for citizenship take the final step toward their American Dream.
"Our recent estimates suggest that citizenship alone is associated with an 8 to 11 percent increase in earnings annually, with much of this gain seen within the first few years of naturalizing," noted Justin Scoggins, co-author of the USC study, Citizen Gain: The Economic Benefits of Naturalization for Immigrants and the Economy.
With the economic benefits of citizenship on full display, businesses took the stage and explained their reasons for participating in the Bethlehem Project, a groundbreaking program that partners local service providers with businesses — 26 and counting — to provide their citizenship-eligible employees with free or discounted citizenship assistance at the worksite. The Hyatt Regency Washington also announced that it was inaugurating its first citizenship session later this afternoon.
"We are excited to be launching our inaugural citizenship sessions through the Bethlehem Project today for dozens of our legal permanent resident employees," said Steve Smith, General Manager at the Hyatt Regency Washington. "Our immigrant workers eligible for citizenship will take an important step towards their American dream in this very room in the coming hours."
"Offering this excellent benefit to our employees does not affect our bottom line, which allows us to continue to compete as 'choice-employers,'" added Wendy Kallergis, President and CEO of the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association. "We at the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association are excited to partner with the Bethlehem Project for this unique opportunity to offer hospitality to our own community and support to our employees."
"Innovative, effective strategies are being deployed across the country to facilitate the journey to citizenship for these millions of new Americans," added Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "It is an honor to work with businesses, service providers and the community to help immigrants take that final step to U.S. citizenship — and along the way help families and our economy prosper."
Immigration advocates also emphasized the work of the New Americans Campaign — an unprecedented coalition of business, funders, and national and local service providers that's employing innovative strategies to make citizenship a reality for 8.8 million legal permanent residents.
"We are proud to be celebrating Citizenship Month by working diligently to help eligible legal permanent residents take the next step to become U.S. citizens," said Max Sevillia, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs for the NALEO Educational Fund. "These individuals are already making a difference in communities and cities across the country, and this step will enable them to access the rights that will allow them to become full participants in our American democracy."
"As part of the work of the New Americans Campaign, some of the onus has been placed on providing these services in innovative ways that reflect our target communities' habits," added Mark O'Brien, the Executive Director at Pro Bono Net. "Immigrants are often early adopters of technology, which is why CitizenshipWorks provides easy-to-use online tools to help low- and moderate-income individuals to answer important questions about their eligibility, better understand the process and prepare for their citizenship tests."
Nationwide this month, New Americans Campaign partners are holding more than 40 events that are providing thousands of immigrants eligible for naturalization with free or discounted citizenship services such as legal assistance and seminars.
"We know that almost 9 million people are eligible to become U.S. citizens today, but fewer than 10 percent take that step each year," said Melissa Rodgers, Project Director at the New Americans Campaign. "As the Project Director for the New Americans Campaign — a national network that includes frontline service providers, advocacy organizations and foundations — I celebrate the men and women who have become citizens in the last year and the thousands more who are attending dozens of citizenship events across the country that our New Americans Campaign partners are organizing this very week. This is also the time to celebrate the value of citizenship to individuals, their families, our economy and our democracy."
One of the hundreds of new Americans whom the Bethlehem Project has helped summed up the day by citing the need for such services for millions of legal permanent residents like her.
"I came to the United States in 2000. During all this time, I didn't [apply for] citizenship due to procrastination. I kept putting it off because it was too much money and I couldn't find the time," concluded Marizza Contreras, a Bethlehem Project employee participant at The Betsy-South Beach. "I was in the process of hiring a lawyer when the Betsy Hotel presented this wonderful opportunity to work with the Bethlehem Project. Thank you to the Betsy Hotel for making this opportunity available to me and for the Human Resources Department, HR Director Nilmarie Almodovar and the Bethlehem Project staff for providing this incredible service and making it available."
This work is made possible by the collaboration of the national New Americans Campaign funders: The Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Grove Foundation, The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, The JPB Foundation and The Open Society Foundations.
Immigration Detention's Unnecessary Cost
August 22, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives in the balance, fixing our nation's broken immigrant detention system is a necessary and urgent — though often overlooked — component of commonsense immigration reform.
To further highlight the immigration detention's high cost to taxpayers, the National Immigration Forum has updated its policy paper "The Math of Immigration Detention" and will hold a #MathOfDetention Twitter Town Hall today to answer questions on the challenges the immigration detention system poses and how reform can help solve them. Follow @ImmPolitic for hourly immigration detention facts and tweet your questions between 2 and 3 p.m. EDT.
The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum regarding the need to provide solutions for the broken detention system:
"The numbers are clear and the message is simple. Once commonsense reform is passed, fewer immigration detainees will mean less of a financial burden on law enforcement's resources. For example, if ICE were able to take advantage of alternatives to detention and detain only those who pose a real threat, taxpayers could save $1.44 billion per year. As legislators home in their districts listen to their constituents' support for immigration reform, they should note the strong economic reasons for reform."
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program turns one
August 15, 2013
Washington, D.C. -- One year ago today, on Aug. 15, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began accepting applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Two months earlier, the Obama administration had announced the new program. In the year since DACA has been in place, more than 400,000 young undocumented immigrants who meet the program's requirements have been granted a two-year reprieve from the threat of deportation — and the opportunity to work and attend school.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"DACA has provided a taste of the difference immigration reform can make. There's no doubt it helped pave the way for the bipartisan debate about reform we are now having. Since its implementation, support for broad, commonsense solutions has only grown, especially within conservative circles.
"Still, DACA is a Band-Aid and not a cure. It is limited and only temporary, and that's why Congress must move forward with long-term, bipartisan solutions. As shown by the hundred of local events across the country during the August recess, conservative faith, business and law enforcement leaders stand ready to support members who are working to implement commonsense, permanent solutions for Dreamers and aspiring Americans."
ICYMI: New Study Finds Immigration Reform Will Create Jobs and Boost GDP
July 23, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Immigration reform will create millions of new jobs and boost the United States' gross domestic product (GDP) by billions, according to a study released this morning by Regional Economic Models, Inc. The findings increase the pressure on bipartisan leaders in the House of Representatives to pass immigration reform with a roadmap to earned citizenship.
The study looks at the macroeconomic effects of three key components in the immigration reform debate: the path to legal status, increases in high-skill visas and changes to low-skill visa programs.
Among the key findings are:
• The path to legal status would net 594,000 new U.S. jobs by 2018 and increase GDP by $49.93 billion in that same timeframe.
• Expansion of the H1-B visa program would result in net increase of 1.3 million jobs by 2045 and a GDP increase of more than $158 billion in that same timeframe.
• As a result of the new W-1 visa program, close to 365,000 jobs will be gained by 2045.
"REMI's exhaustive study spells out what business leaders have been saying all along: Immigration reform will create jobs, boost GDP and drive innovation in all 50 states," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "Our nation needs immigration reform because of moral, security and political reasons to be sure. But we need it more than ever in these tough economic times because it's the right thing to do for our national and state economies."
Statement on Secretary Napolitano's Resignation
July 12, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, news broke that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano plans to resign to assume the presidency of the University of California system. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"Secretary Napolitano has one of the most challenging jobs in Washington. She enforces an immigration system that even she recognizes is 'broken.' Importantly, Napolitano has welcomed debate. Whether engaging advocates or dealing with enforcement-only hawks, she has been a powerful advocate for immigration reform.
"Her new perch as president of the University of California system will be a powerful place for her to advocate on behalf of immigrant students throughout the state of California. We will look forward to continuing a productive relationship with her successor."
Statement on House GOP Conference Meeting
July 10, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the wake of today's House Republican Conference meeting on immigration reform, Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, released the following statement:
"Immigration reform is good policy and good politics regardless of which party one belongs to. American voters — including GOP primary voters — want their leaders to lead on issues like immigration reform.
"Many in today's GOP Conference meeting made it clear that 'doing nothing isn't an option.' That is encouraging. But words are not the immigration legislation Americans are calling for.
"Voters want action on commonsense immigration reform from Congress, and they need it this summer. The clock is ticking.
"Momentum for reform has been growing ever stronger in the past year, and not just among the usual suspects. As the Wall Street Journal put it this morning, 'The dumbest strategy is to follow the Steve King anti-immigration caucus and simply let the Senate bill die while further militarizing the border. This may please the loudest voices on talk radio, but it ignores the millions of evangelical Christians, Catholic conservatives, business owners and free-marketers who support reform.'
"Those who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business want members of Congress to get to work and legislate. The time for talking is over."
A Historic Day for Immigration Reform
June 27, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a strongly bipartisan 68-32 margin, S.744, The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, became the first commonsense immigration reform bill to clear the U.S. Senate in decades.
Since the Gang of Eight introduced its compromise plan April 17, the Senate has engaged in a transparent, thorough debate on the bill. Republican and Democratic senators have recognized the urgent need to reach agreement on a new and broad immigration process that benefits all Americans, and they have worked together to keep reform moving forward.
After the final vote tally, Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement:
"Today's passage reminds us that immigration is about people not just fences. We've made real progress because our political leaders are finally realizing that this isn't about politics; it's about who we are as a country and how we fulfill our nation's promise.
"The bill the Senate passed is a compromise. It calls for spending tens of billions to secure a border that already is as secure as it has ever been. Even so, it will be a net positive for our economy. It protects the road to citizenship and it reforms our legal immigration system for the long term. Not least, the momentum it creates gives us our best chance at immigration reform in more than 30 years.
"Attention now turns to the House of Representatives. House leaders must come together in the same bipartisan spirit that defined the Senate debate. We simply cannot replace broad, commonsense reform with a patchwork of piecemeal laws. House leaders will hear what Senate leaders took to heart: Americans want a new immigration process that respects the rule of law and fulfills our heritage as a nation of immigrants."
A Historic Week
June 24, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – With the Senate on the verge of a historic immigration vote, Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, released the following statement regarding the Corker-Hoeven amendment and the continued need for bipartisanship:
"The U.S. Senate is on the cusp of historic change and we urge Senators to vote for reform. After years of work and months of intense negotiation, Senate Bill 744 will create a 21st century immigration system that meets the needs of our nation.
"Over the last week we have witnessed a political whipsaw.
"The Congressional Budget Office report reported S.744—as negotiated by the Senate Judiciary Committee—would lead to $897 billion in savings over the next 20 years. Rather than putting those dollars away, senators are on the verge of deciding to spend an additional $38 billion on border security, increasing the bill's total allocation to security to a whopping $46 billion.
"To put a finer point on it: We are about to spend tens of billions of dollars securing a region with the safest cities, sharing a border with our third largest trading partner and second most common destination for American exports. All without proper attention to oversight or accountability of this massive deployment of resources.
"The overall goal of a tough but fair road to citizenship for the undocumented has been preserved. As has the establishment of a functioning legal immigration system that meets the needs of our economy, workforce and families.
"We support the process moving forward and welcome the influx of Republican and Democratic votes that come with this amendment.
"We are hopeful that the House will glean the lessons of bipartisanship and apply them to their own proceedings. There is no doubt that we are committed to improving the legislation in the conference committee and through its eventual implementation."
Rumored Border Deal: Final Brick in the Road?
June 20, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – This morning, news broke regarding a possible border security deal being worked on in the Senate. In light of the rumors, Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, issued the following statement:
"Immigration reform is barreling down a bipartisan road to passage. This potential border deal, which deepens support across the board, could very well be the final brick in the road. This deal appears tough but fair and the momentum it propels is instrumental in pressuring the House to move quickly. .
"Though we haven't seen amendment language, we understand the main tenets of the Gang of Eight bill have been protected and preserved throughout this process. The time is upon Congress to pass just, humane immigration reform."
The SAFE Act: Shortsighted and Costly
June 19, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – The House Judiciary Committee approved its first immigration bill late last night. Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, made the following statement regarding the SAFE Act and what it means for law enforcement and immigration reform:
"We are this close to passing broad immigration reform because we have had the support of the law enforcement community. It's a shame that the SAFE Act, which kicks the can to cash-strapped local law authorities to do the work of federal agencies, passed out of the House Judiciary Committee late last night.
"Leaders in the law enforcement community from all political stripes have said that an enforcement-only bill is futile. Requiring state and local law enforcement to do both their job and the job of the federal government is a strain on important local resources. Plus, it breaks down trust between communities and law enforcement. Let's support legislation that focuses resources on dangerous threats.
"The SAFE Act is a shortsighted, costly approach that is unworkable and would make us less safe. A bipartisan, commonsense bill, like the Gang of 8's, is truly the best way forward for our country."
"CBO —the push Congress needs to move immigration reform past the finish line."
June 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – Following the release of scoring data regarding the S. 744, Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, by the Congressional Budget Office, Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, released the following statement:
"The Congressional Budget Office's report confirms what business leaders have been saying all along: Commonsense immigration reform is good for the economy. Both the 10- and 20-year numbers show that reforming our broken immigration system does not add a cent to the national deficit. Rather, the Gang of 8 bill will result in net savings of about $197 billion in the first ten years, and up to $700 billion in 20 years.
"This is the push Congress needs to move broad reform past the finish line."
Gowdy Immigration Bill Would Be a Burden
June 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the House Judiciary Committee holds a hearing this morning on H.R. 2278, the "Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement (SAFE) Act," Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, released the following statement.
"We need broad immigration reform that makes our communities safer. Extreme bills that reinforce our broken immigration system are simply a waste of valuable time and resources.
"Immigration reform can and must bring honor to the rule of law. Far-reaching reform will require the federal government to accept its responsibility for immigration enforcement, not abdicate it. And it will bring hardworking aspiring Americans out of the shadows so law enforcement can root out true criminals and keep all of us safe."
On DACA Anniversary, Momentum for Reform Continues to Build
June 14, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 15, 2012, the Obama administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which temporarily removes the threat of deportation from young DREAMers — people under the age of 30 who were brought to the United States before age 16 and who meet certain residence, education and public safety requirements. A year in, this policy has become a reality for over 365,000 young immigrants — and momentum for broad, commonsense and permanent immigration solutions has only continued to build.
"As over 365,000 young hard working people have bravely come forward this past year, the country has stood behind them in support. And now a vast majority of Americans are urging Congress to finish the job by making commonsense immigration reform a reality. Deferred Action has proved to be a successful and commonsense program that protects hardworking undocumented young people from deportation," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "And, even more, it has given us a hint of what's to come from immigration reform.
"DACA helped to show what conversations on smart immigration policy can and should look like. Americans have said in study after study that it's time for common sense solutions that fix our broken immigration system. DACA demonstrated that there must be a permanent, legislative that gives aspiring Americans a chance to contribute fully to the only country they call home. "
As the immigration reform debate gets under way on the Senate floor, two polls released Thursday, June 13, show the dynamic support for broad immigration reform that has developed. In a Fox News poll, 76 percent of respondents said that passage of immigration reform legislation is important this year, and 74 percent said reform should include a roadmap to earned citizenship for aspiring Americans who meet certain requirements. Separately, a poll sponsored by the Alliance for Citizenship, Partnership for a New American Economy and Republicans for Immigration Reform found very strong support for reform in 29 states.
In the past year, support for reform also has broadened among faith, law enforcement and business leaders across the country. On Wednesday, more than 100 leaders in the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform (BBB) network came to Washington and met with more than 80 congressional offices to show their support for immigration reform. One of the most inspiring stories of the day was that of Jesus Loya, a Utah angel investor and former DREAMer.
"My American story is one of hard work and perseverance, but it is not unique — I feel compelled to share it on behalf of the millions of aspiring young Americans, like me, who want to give back to the only country they know and love," Loya said. "That's why I'm here: to make sure that stories like mine are told, and to help ensure Congress knows that Americans are calling on them to fix our broken immigration system once and for all."
As the debate in Congress continues to unfold, voters across the political spectrum are watching.
"We have come a long way on the road to immigration reform, but the fight is far from over," Noorani said. "Deferred Action is a Band-Aid where we need a cure. We look forward to the passage of comprehensive immigration reform that puts into law a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and other aspiring Americans."
Senate to Continue Voting on Amendments Next Week
June 13, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC -- The following is a quote from Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, regarding the close of Senate floor debate for the week:
"This week's floor debate brought us closer to the goal line. The overwhelming bipartisan support on the motion to proceed proved that both Democrats and Republicans are serious about making immigration reform a reality this year.
"So far, senators have filed over 100 amendments, signaling that the Senate proceedings are an open process and fertile ground for compromise. This is the way America wants Congress to work. We are confident Senators on both sides of the aisle will keep their eye focused on the ultimate goal: practical, affordable, commonsense immigration reform."
Progress on S. 744 Bill
June 11, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC -- The following is a quote from Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, regarding President Obama's remarks on immigration reform earlier today and the motion to proceed that passed in the Senate by an 84-15 margin:
"President Obama was right. The Senate's immigration bill is the best chance we've had at reforming our broken system in decades. With the Senate's procedural votes today, the debate has officially begun and momentum continues to grow. Though some senators are still on the fence, it is encouraging that they agree this bill is worthy of floor debate.
"As the Senate debate moves forward to passage before July 4, we encourage leaders in the House to move quickly toward mending our immigration policies and to find workable solutions for all Americans."
Speaker Boehner To Prioritize Immigration Reform
June 10, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC—The following is a quote from Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum, regarding Speaker Boehner's timeline for immigration reform:
"It is encouraging that Speaker Boehner plans to prioritize immigration reform in the House of Representatives this summer by urging a House vote before the August break. As the speaker recognizes, we urgently need a new immigration process to replace our broken system. American voters of all political stripes clearly agree that reform is urgent.
"We agree with leaders in both parties who recognize that comprehensive reform is the only way to prevent a patchwork of laws that would be prone to mismanagement. And we support the bipartisan efforts in both the House and the Senate for broad reform. The debate over commonsense reform must be one of statesmanship, not political gamesmanship. Congress must seize this moment."
Senate to Debate Broad Immigration Reform on Floor Next Week
June 05, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Next week, the full Senate will begin floor debate on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 in favor of the bill in May and, during markup, senators approved more than 140 of the nearly 300 amendments submitted. Most represent good-faith efforts to improve the bill and to make government more accountable for its effective implementation. The vast majority of amendments that passed did so with bipartisan support.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"There's no doubt we've come a long way to get where we are with immigration reform. Getting the Gang of 8 bill over the hurdle of passing the Senate Judiciary Committee was a great victory, but in many ways we are still at the starting line.
"As the Senate takes up floor action on the bill, it is vital that key players in the Senate continue to work in the spirit of compromise and cooperation and that we continue to build upon the momentum that got us this far.
"The American people have said time and time again that they want commonsense immigration reform. And that means reuniting families, recognizing the importance of immigration to our economy and our communities, and including a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans. The bill headed for the Senate floor next week does exactly that.
"As we move full speed ahead, let's keep our eyes on the end-goal and ensure that this broad and balanced bill gets the full support it needs in the Senate."
Judiciary Committee Sends Broad Immigration Reform to Full Senate
May 21, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a bipartisan vote today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 to send S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, on to the full Senate.
Senators on the Judiciary Committee submitted about 300 amendments, of which more than 100 were approved. Most represent good-faith efforts to improve the bill and to make government more accountable for its effective implementation. The vast majority of amendments that passed did so with bipartisan support.
Debate on the Senate floor is likely to begin in early to mid June. Just as the bill heads to the floor, leaders from the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform network are coming to Washington June 12 to hold meetings with congressional leaders and show their renewed support for broad, bipartisan reform.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"Today's vote represents a major step toward a new immigration process. The bill soon headed for the Senate floor is exactly what America needs. It honors the aspiring Americans who will strengthen our communities and our economy for generations to come. It also honors our history as a nation of laws.
"Americans across the political spectrum recognize that we need commonsense reform. And they support political leaders who show the courage to transcend partisanship, reach across the aisle and develop long-term, broad solutions. That's what we need to replace our broken immigration system.
"The full Senate must carry this momentum forward and pass a bill that keeps the best interests of our nation in mind. The House also must follow the lead of American voters, Republican and Democrat alike, and pursue wide-ranging reform that respects human dignity and provides for secure borders, safer communities, a stronger economy and a roadmap to citizenship for hardworking American immigrants.
"Much work lies ahead. But today's bipartisan vote shows the great strides we are making toward an immigration process that works for all Americans."
Bipartisan House Group Agress in Principle on Immigration Reform
May 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers announced that they have reached an agreement in principle on immigration reform that includes a roadmap to citizenship. The announcement came a day after members of the group had suggested Thursday was a make-or-break moment for agreement.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"The announcement by the House represents major progress and gives immigration reform remarkable momentum. Much work lies ahead in both houses of Congress, but the diverse House group's willingness to come together is a strong sign of just how far we have come.
"Americans are ready for Congress to show its resolve and continue debating immigration reform in the bipartisan spirit that has prevailed so far. As the debate over the bill in the Senate continues to progress, the House group's announcement marks an exciting step forward.
"We await the details of the House agreement and bill. The legislation needs a clear and fair road to citizenship, and it must recognize the importance of immigration to our economy, our families and our communities.
"The tide has turned. Political leaders in both houses and both parties are recognizing that we need broad immigration reform this year. They must continue to work together until reform is reality."
Innovative Citizenship Initiative Launches in Los Angeles
May 14, 2013
Innovative Citizenship Initiative Launches in Los Angeles.
Employees Attend Free Citizenship Workshop at American Apparel
LOS ANGELES — Today, the National Immigration Forum joined American Apparel employees to launch The Bethlehem Project in Los Angeles. Through this innovative citizenship initiative, businesses partner with local immigrant-service organizations such as NALEO, APALC, CARECEN and Catholic Charities to offer their immigrant employees onsite services such as English classes, civics instruction and legal assistance for citizenship applications.
Across the country, it's business that is increasingly leading the charge to help new Americans integrate. Following the launch of the Bethlehem Project in Miami in April, American Apparel becomes the first Los Angeles–area business taking a leadership role by investing in its immigrant workforce — in a city where nearly 1.6 million people are eligible for citizenship.
"In the end, the most important parties involved — our employees — left well-informed and seemingly energized to make the step toward a better life for them and their families," said Marty Bailey, President of Manufacturing at American Apparel.
The Bethlehem Project is designed to meet the needs of employees and the businesses they work for. Hardworking immigrants gain essential skills on the worksite that will increase their earning potential and allow them to fully engage as citizens in their new homeland, and businesses will benefit from increased loyalty and better-trained workers.
"The L.A. Area Chamber applauds the efforts American Apparel is putting forth, in conjunction with the National Immigration Forum's Bethlehem Project, to help eligible immigrant workers pursue citizenship," said Gary Toebben, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. "This is a model that should be replicated nationwide. Encouraging citizenship will improve economic prosperity for all stakeholders involved."
"The Bethlehem Project is a unique opportunity for employers to support their workers in their journey to becoming American citizens," added Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "From Miami to Los Angeles and beyond, we're hearing from business leaders and employees who view this service as good for the bottom line and great for employee morale."
Senate Moves Toward Substance in Immigration Reform Debate
May 09, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate Judiciary Committee holds a markup this morning of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, Congress takes another important step forward as it considers broad, commonsense immigration reform. With about 300 amendments introduced this week, senators are clearly prioritizing a new immigration process as they navigate the debate and move forward in bipartisan fashion.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"As senators take up the debate, they must remain focused on the end goal: broad, bipartisan reform. We need a new immigration process that reunites families, recognizes the importance of immigration to our economy and our communities, and includes a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans. Our country will realize its full potential only when Congress has passed a bill that creates this process.
"It's great to see the legislation moving. This is concrete progress. As the Judiciary Committee considers the wide range of amendments, the spirit of compromise and cooperation that has brought us this far must be senators' guiding light. Congress must continue a rational debate in the same bipartisan fashion that has given reform so much momentum."
Paul Singer Makes Significant Contribution to the National Immigration Forum Action Fund
April 29, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Senate introduction of bipartisan immigration reform legislation, the National Immigration Forum Action Fund received a strong show of support from hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer to continue the bipartisan effort for common sense immigration solutions.
Mr. Singer is the founder and CEO of Elliott Management, and is providing a six-figure contribution to the National Immigration Forum Action Fund's "Bibles, Badges and Business" project to encourage Republicans and Democrats to support immigration reform that strengthens our nation's competitiveness and helps us attract the world's best talent and hard workers.
The passionate level of involvement and cooperation from both Republicans and Democrats on immigration reform sends a resounding message that this immigration battle is different than that of decades past. Rather than fall back into the stagnation and polarization that plagues so many of today's political disagreements, immigration reform has produced robust coalitions and unlikely collaborations. This donation by Paul Singer is one of many signs from business leaders that American businesses are not sitting on the sidelines for this immigration reform battle.
The bipartisan Senate bill is a strong start. It includes the core elements necessary for reform like commonsense fixes to our legal immigration system that ensures our competitiveness and creates a tough but fair road to citizenship for contributing immigrants already in the country.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum Action Fund expresses the importance of Mr. Singer's contribution: "We are grateful for the leadership and support of Paul Singer at this critical juncture. Across the country, those who read a Bible, wear a badge or own a business demand Congress build a common sense immigration system. Introduction of bipartisan legislation is only the first step. In the months of debate ahead, we know the opposition is prepared to spend millions of dollars to try and defeat immigration reform yet again. But, this time it is different. Not only are faith, law enforcement and business leaders working together. But, civic leaders like Mr. Singer are investing their hard earned resources in the path to victory."
Representatives Gutierrez and Carter Talk to San Antonio Residents about Immigration Reform
April 29, 2013
On Monday, April 29, lawmakers gave San Antonio a front row seat to the latest developments on immigration reform
As the Senate moves forward on immigration reform, two members of the House of Representatives group that has been negotiating behind the scenes to develop a compromise immigration reform bill will sat down with San Antonio residents to share some of the latest developments on immigration reform and discussed the path forward for the bill.
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.) in San Antonio for "Left. Right, Forward," an in-depth conversation on immigration reform.
Congressmen Gutierrez and Carter will engaged with San Antonians in a unique and open discussion on the path forward for immigration reform and the national immigration debate.
The event was livestreamed. Watch a video recording below:
"Left. Right. Forward." Event Sets Tone for National Conversation on Immigration
April 29, 2013
Leaders of the bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives on immigration reform make the case for comprehensive and sensible changes to immigration law.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – In a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Texas Tribune Editor Evan Smith, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.) argued for a bipartisan, comprehensive solution to immigration and border issues. A growing consensus among members of the faith, law enforcement and business communities makes that solution attainable even in a highly polarized political environment.
"Today in San Antonio, Representatives Carter and Gutierrez showed us exactly why the time is now for immigration reform. They came together to talk with San Antonians about the urgency and need for both parties to continue working together on comprehensive and bipartisan reform," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "This isn't about Democrats or Republicans getting everything they want on immigration – it's about the left working with the right, and the right working with the left to move us forward on immigration reform."
"Part of the conversation that Congressman Carter and I are having here today with you is an educational experience, not only for us, but for the rest of the American people," said Congressman Gutierrez. "If they can hear a Republican and a Democrat speak in sensible terms, then I think that goes all the way down to the local police officer or constable who are also going to change their minds."
"If the far left and the far right, which is quite honestly what our group is made up of, can come to a compromise, then it ought to be easy for the rest of the Congress to come to a compromise," noted Congressman Carter. "We're as far apart politically as you can get, but we're very close right now because of this project we're working on. We're very proud of the product we're moving forward."
Both congressmen observed that national security is enhanced and the U.S. economy is invigorated by enacting rational immigration policies that allow law enforcement and border security agencies to focus on legitimate threats while allowing needed laborers and entrepreneurs to enter the U.S. workforce.
"For residents of San Antonio and South Texas who know border issues better than anyone else, the bipartisan effort led by Congressmen Gutierrez and Carter is a breath of fresh air," said Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President, IBC Bank and board member of the National Immigration Forum. "Their work is vitally important for our economic and national security. More Americans need to hear them and support their effort to create sane and humane immigration laws."
Legislative Process Kicks Off in the Senate
April 26, 2013
The Senate's Comprehensive Approach Presents the only Viable Path for Success
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday's start of the mark-up session in the Senate Judiciary Committee represents an important step forward toward a commonsense and fully comprehensive immigration reform bill. Congress has been discussing this issue for the last 10 years, and all other piecemeal attempts at immigration reform have failed. But changing public opinion on immigration reform reinforces the notion that the time is now for reform – and the Senate's balanced approach is the way forward.
S744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act is the most extensive and wide-reaching plan for truly reforming the nation's antiquated and unrealistic immigration system since the Reagan administration's 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. It comes as a result of years of debate and an unprecedented momentum and energy from the public and affected industries like labor, technology, agriculture, faith communities, and law enforcement.
"We're excited to see the Senate's Gang of Eight Bill moving full speed ahead. We've already had three marathon hearings – and we expect much more deliberation as mark-up picks up," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "As we begin to move forward with the process, we can't lose sight of the goal. The Senate's approach to one, delicately balanced bill is the only plausible way to get across the finish line on this much needed reform. Efforts to break down the bill into separate legislative pieces will fall well short of what Republican voters seek: a complete overhaul."
Over 100 Current and Former Attorneys General Send Letters to Congressional Leadership Urging Action
April 24, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, 36 current state attorneys general and 76 former state attorneys general signed and delivered letters to House and Senate Leadership outlining their positions on immigration reform and pushing both Chambers to move quickly to solve this issue. The signatories represent the consensus among this group of national and bipartisan law enforcement leaders for immigration reform that secures our border, keeps families together, sensibly deals with those already in our country and improves public safety at the local level.
"With these two letters, the nation's attorneys general signal the need for broad immigration reform that corrects the many harms caused by the current immigration system," said former Attorney General Mark Shurtleff (R-Utah). "From improving border security to rebuilding trust between undocumented immigrants and their local law enforcement officers, the time is now to address these problems."
"The message sent by these leaders who have dedicated their lives to keep our communities safe represents the far reaching momentum that exists for commonsense immigration reform," added Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "With the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, Congress has an opportunity to apply their recommendations and make America safer."
Miami's Business Community Launches Innovative Citizenship Initiative
April 23, 2013
The InterContinental Miami, the Betsy Hotel and Miami-Dade College Participate in National Immigration Forum's Bethlehem Project
MIAMI, FL. —Today, the National Immigration Forum inaugurated Miami as the official launch city for "The Bethlehem Project". Through this innovative citizenship promotion initiative, businesses partner with immigrant-service organizations like the International Rescue Committee to offer their immigrant employees on-site services such as English classes, civic instruction and legal assistance for citizenship applications.
The business community is increasingly leading the effort to integrate our nation's aspiring citizens. Miami companies like InterContinental Hotel--Miami, The Betsy Hotel--South Beach and Miami-Dade College are taking their leadership to a new level by recognizing the value of investing in their immigrant workforce and promoting citizenship and integration in the workplace. While many opportunities exist for English learning, civics instruction and naturalization assistance at different sites like churches, community colleges and immigrant service organizations, virtually nobody integrates all three needs in one site like the workplace.
Immigrant employees praised the project because it adds the invaluable convenience of accessing citizenship assistance at their place of work.
"Becoming a U.S. citizen is a very important step to me because I feel that this country is my home," said Ráquel Araujo-Escobar, an employee at InterContinental Miami. "Having my employer support me in this important step by providing citizenship assistance at my place of work is a true blessing."
Similarly, business leaders stressed the Bethlehem Project's practicality and benefits to employees and companies alike.
"This program is easy to handle and coordinate. The Bethlehem Project supported us through the different stages of the program and provided flyers and easy-to-understand information that we could share with our staff in multiple languages," said Nilmarie Almovodar, Human Resources Director at The Betsy - South Beach.
"With this partnership we are demonstrating to our employees that we care and support their best interests, and that we care for our community," added Leonie Timothee of the Human Resources Department at The InterContinental Miami.
The city of Miami is a symbol of the convergence between business and immigration. Noted worldwide as an entrepreneurial city, Miami also boasts a significant immigrant population – with over 60% of its residents hailing from other parts of the world.
"In Miami-County we have over 520,000 individuals who are legal permanent residents who have not yet become citizens," said Eduardo Padrón, President at Miami-Dade College. "Becoming a citizen not only provides you with greater responsibility for civic engagement and voting, but it also helps you and the companies involved to get a better return on your investment."
The Bethlehem Project is designed to meet the needs of employees and the businesses they work for – on the one hand, hard-working immigrants achieve essential skills such as English language training that will increase their earning potential and allow them to fully engage as citizens in their new homeland. On the other hand, businesses will benefit from increased productivity from better trained workers.
"The Miami business community, many of whom are immigrants themselves, has long understood the importance of nurturing the innovation, energy and spirit of the immigrant community to build a more prosperous Miami," noted Manny Díaz, Mayor of the City of Miami. "Today, we make another plea to our business community. Work with us as we try to bring these half-a-million citizen eligible residents in our community to become an even greater part of the American mainstream."
"For hard-working immigrants in Miami, this assistance will mean the ability to realize the American Dream; for our partner businesses, this program will pay off in increased effectiveness and opportunities for advancement of their employees," added Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum.
For more information and to join this groundbreaking initiative, please visit: www.joinbethlehemproject.org
Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform Urge Swift Action
April 22, 2013
Current and Former Attorneys General release broad sign-on letters
WASHINGTON, D.C – Earlier today, the Senate Judiciary Committee held its first hearing for Senate bill S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The hearing featured pivotal testimony from witnesses representing the many groups affected by our immigration system.
Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform were represented at the hearing by Mark Shurtleff, Republican Former Attorney General of Utah, David Fleming senior pastor of Houston's Champion Forest Baptist Church, and frequent collaborator, Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform.
"Today's hearing was a testament to the broad support commonsense immigration reform enjoys in America, from the National Association of Attorneys General to 76 former state attorneys general to the Evangelical Immigration Table," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "The thoughtful presentations by the full range of faith, law enforcement and business witnesses inform the negotiations that lie ahead. We are optimistic that a road to citizenship and a stable immigration system for all of America's families and businesses will be the ultimate outcome."
Bipartisan Senate Leaders Plan to Announce Broad Immigration Reform Legislation
April 16, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following months of discussion and negotiation, multiple press reports suggest that the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" in the Senate plans to announce a broad bill today to address and improve our nation's broken immigration process. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"It is with a heavy heart for the victims and families of Boston that we embark on a new journey for immigration reform. Our thoughts and prayers go to Bostonians.
"When you read the news about immigration reform and Republicans and Democrats working together to create real solutions, it becomes very clear: This is what America wants. Voters across the political spectrum are championing a broad, commonsense immigration process to replace our broken system. For the benefit of our economy and our communities, reform must happen.
"The bipartisan legislation is a strong start for the immigration debate this year. People on both sides of the political spectrum have concerns about certain parts of the package. But that's the nature of compromise: yielding on something each of us cares about to move forward on what all of us care about.
"We applaud the bipartisan Senate working group for making progress on much-needed reform of our immigration laws. We urge Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and in the House to support fair and practical immigration solutions that include an earned path to citizenship for immigrants who are currently living here, contributing to the progress and well-being of our communities.
"Congress must continue the rational debate and move us forward by passing real reform into law. Make no mistake: This is immigration reform's time."
Across the Country, Energy for Broad Immigration Reform Builds As Congress Returns to Washington
April 05, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As members of Congress wrap up a two-week recess and gear up for the introduction of immigration reform legislation in both the Senate and House, momentum for broad, commonsense immigration reform has continued to build in their home districts. In an article today, POLITICO points to the broad support for reform from all parts of the political spectrum, including an "entirely new front from the right on immigration reform". Lawmakers will return to D.C. bolstered by constituents, including conservative voters, who made clear that they support bipartisan reform and that the time is now.
Evangelical communities, law enforcement officials and business leaders across the country are taking the consensus they have been building for more than two years and putting it into action. They also are putting money behind the effort to pass commonsense immigration reform in 2013. For example, a Christian radio ad campaign by the Evangelical Immigration Table has expanded from South Carolina to Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.
"We see the immigrant as a person created in the image of God. They're husbands and wives, they're parents, they're children," Rev. Dr. David Fleming, Senior Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, said upon the announcement of the new ads. "White evangelicals have been listening to the voice of the extreme, but give education to our people, they are changing their minds on this issue…I believe and my experience has been here in Texas that conservative Christians and evangelicals are rising to support a biblical approach to this very complex issue."
In addition, at more than a dozen pro-reform events in Illinois, Indiana, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee. "Bibles, Badges and Business" leaders are showing that their constituencies will support courageous lawmakers who act on broad immigration reform in coming weeks and months. In Modesto, California, 1,500 people joined a forum on immigration at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church featuring Rep. Jeff Tenham (R-CA) and Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Immigration. Participants called on lawmakers to make broad immigration reform with an earned path to citizenship a priority in Congress.
In Indianapolis, a business-oriented forum featured the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the senior vice president of Indiana's largest integrated communications company speaking on the urgency for reform. "The recent federal court decision striking down Indiana's immigration law as unconstitutional reinforces that fact that we must convince Congress to act swiftly to update and reform our country's outdated immigration laws," said Mike Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hirons and Company and a Republican who served for 16 years in the Indiana General Assembly. "Immigrants must once again be considered our nation's strength, not a liability."
And at an in-person press conference this week at the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales reiterated the need for reform from the law enforcement perspective. "It is past time for the president and Congress to do their job and pass comprehensive immigration reform that enhances our national and law enforcement security, bolsters our economy, and is consistent with the rule of law and our notions of fairness and compassion," Gonzales said.
Other events featuring faith, law enforcement and business leaders include:
• a Kansas roundtable discussion featuring the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the former Republican Attorney General.
• a Good Friday discussion in northern Colorado about the "I Was a Stranger" immigration prayer challenge.
• a press conference in Winston-Salem, N.C., with Baptist clergy urging Sens. Hagan and Burr to support immigration reform.
• an evangelical event in Jacksonville, Fla., to discuss a biblical way forward on immigration.
"Today's immigration debate is different than the immigration debate of 2006 and 2007," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "Once you get outside of the Beltway you find energy and momentum from the 'Bibles, Badges and Business' communities for prompt action on broad immigration reform. There is no other policy issue under consideration by Congress right now that has the depth and breadth of bipartisan support that immigration reform enjoys."
Added Noorani, "The collective energy these events are generating around broad immigration reform translates to a clear call to members of Congress: We need accountable and practical immigration reform that strengthens our economy and reflects our tradition as both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws."
For more information about the Evangelical Immigration Table's immigration radio ad campaign, please click here.
For more information about events with the law enforcement, faith and business community, please click here.
Business, Law Enforcement, Faith Leaders Urge Congress to Act on Immigration Reform
April 04, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With both the Senate and House gearing up to introduce immigration reform legislation as soon as next week, faith, law enforcement and business leaders spoke today about the strength and support for reform that their constituencies are building locally across the country. Events during the two-week congressional recess should give lawmakers confidence as they return to Washington that their constituents support broad, commonsense reform.
In a press call, leaders emphasized that their rising network is making sure members of Congress hear Americans' call for accountable and practical reform that strengthens our economy and reflects our tradition as both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. Efforts include more than a dozen events in the South, Midwest and West, as well as a new phase of Evangelical Immigration Table radio ads that launched this week on Christian radio in four key states.
The following quotes are from speakers on today's press call:
Alberto Gonzales, Former U.S. Attorney General and Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair of Law, Belmont University:
"I approach this issue from the perspective of being a grandson of immigrants, someone who grew up in a border state, and of course as a former chief law enforcement officer of the United States. … When [state and local law enforcement officials] are diverted to enforce federal immigration law, that means that they cannot go after local bank robbers, car thieves and drug dealers. The truth of the matter is, this is very much a federal problem."
Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention:
"The time has come. Americans are ready … Immigration is an issue where people of different political parties and different philosophies can come together and do the right thing. It is time for us as citizens to demand that our politicians quit acting like politicians who are looking at the next election and start acting like statesmen who are looking at the next generation. We will continue to work across the country to educate and to mobilize our fellow evangelical Christians to support just and fair immigration reform, and we're taking our message to Washington."
Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce:
"We're pleased as a [business] community to be a part of this effort and [we're] encouraging our legislators, and our business people are encouraging our legislators directly and personally, to engage in resolving this issue as soon as possible so that we can maintain our prosperous trajectory as a community."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"Once you get outside the Beltway, you find that a new consensus on immigrants and America has emerged. This week alone, we at the Forum have found that whether you are in Nashville, Tennessee; Costa Mesa, California; Columbia, South Carolina; or Kansas City, Kansas, those who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business want a commonsense solution to the immigration system. The fact is that there is no other public policy issue under consideration by Congress at this moment that has the depth and breadth of bipartisan support that immigration reform enjoys."
For more information about the Evangelical Immigration Table's immigration radio ad campaign, please click here.
For more information about events with the law enforcement, faith and business community, please click here.
Senators Visit A More Secure Border
March 27, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona), Jeff Flake (R-Arizona), Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) will be visiting the Arizona border with Mexico to view security conditions as they continue to work on a broad immigration reform bill. The U.S. has met or surpassed most border security benchmarks the Senate developed during immigration reform debates in 2007, and the senators will find a border with increased Border Patrol staffing, better infrastructure and fewer people trying to cross. The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"Maintaining a secure border is an important part of immigration reform. The senators' visit to the border serves as a reminder of how far we've come.
"We have made tremendous progress on border security, and it's time to stop moving the goalposts. Our border will be stronger and even more secure once our immigration system is reformed.
"Commonsense immigration reform will improve every aspect of the immigration process, easing pressure on the border and streamlining border security. These bipartisan Senate leaders and their colleagues in Congress should come back from their recess ready to push reform across the finish line."
ICYMI: Majority of Republicans, Evangelicals Support Earned Citizenship
March 21, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a new, large survey released today by the Brookings Institute and the Public Religion Research Institute, 63 percent of Americans — including 56 percent of white evangelicals and 53 percent of Republicans — support a roadmap to earned citizenship as part of immigration reform. The findings increase the pressure on bipartisan leaders in Congress to include steps to earned citizenship as part of reform.
The survey suggests that support for earned citizenship among evangelicals is growing as evangelical leaders intensify their push for immigration reform rooted in biblical principles. As both the Washington Post and Politico have reported this week, evangelical leaders are stepping up pressure on Congress to pass broad, commonsense reform that emphasizes human dignity and family unity.
As the articles point out, earlier this week the Evangelical Immigration Table released a statement supporting earned citizenship as part of a revamped immigration process. And last week, a radio ad campaign launched on Christian radio in South Carolina. It too includes citizenship as a key immigration reform principle.
Earlier findings indicate that support for reform increases when evangelicals hear messages from their pastors about welcoming immigrants.
"The tide for broad, commonsense immigration reform continues to grow. And across the spectrum, more and more Americans recognize that reform must include earned citizenship," said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. "The message from evangelical leaders is loud and clear, and members of Congress are hearing the same message from their constituents: It is time to follow through and create a better immigration process."
Evangelical, Other Faith Leaders Press for Immigration Reform in Meeting with President
March 08, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the Evangelical Immigration Table and other faith luminaries met with President Obama today to discuss the need for commonsense immigration reform and the building momentum for it in Congress. The meeting took place as evangelical leaders and pastors encourage their flocks to reflect on the Bible's words regarding how we treat our immigrant neighbors and mobilize in support of a better immigration process.
Evangelical leaders continue to support broad, bipartisan action as leaders in the Senate — four Democrats and four Republicans — develop legislation that will modernize and strengthen our out-of-date immigration process. The 40-day "I Was a Stranger" immigration prayer challenge encourages evangelicals to read a passage of scripture daily that relates to immigrants and pray for immigrants in their communities — and encourage their members of Congress to do the same. In addition, pastors are planning media campaigns in key states such as South Carolina to emphasize the urgent need for reform in 2013, including an eventual road to citizenship.
The following quotes can be attributed to faith leaders who met with the president today.
Stephan Bauman, President and CEO, World Relief:
"In our meeting, we reiterated the importance of the faith community in not just advocating for immigration reform but in being a bridge to provide services to immigrants if immigration reform passes. We specifically encouraged the President to consider the implications of passage of reform and to partner with faith-based organizations in helping immigrants in the integration process, specifically by providing immigrant legal service, and English and civics classes."
Dr. Barrett Duke, Vice President for Public Policy and Research, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:
"I was very encouraged by the immigration reform meeting with the President today. He spoke clearly about his desire to see us achieve passage of legislation this year. While many details remain to be worked out, the big pieces are in place. Secure borders, workplace enforcement, legal status for undocumented immigrants who qualify, and a citizenship process for those who desire to be U.S. citizens are all within reach."
Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chairman, USCCB Committee on Migration:
"Our collective faith groups are prepared to support just and humane reform of a broken immigration system. With the president's leadership and cooperation between both parties in Congress, we can achieve this goal within the year. We agree with the president and bipartisan Senate leaders who are stressing the importance of a path to citizenship for the undocumented. We should not sanction a permanent underclass in our society."
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference:
"Today's meeting invigorated me with hope and optimism. The president's resolve in conjunction with evangelical support facilitate the prescription for a comprehensive resolution addressing America's immigration crisis. I am convinced that with prayer and prophetic activism we will live out Matthew 25 and welcome the stranger in the name of Jesus. The collective commitment to incorporate a pathway to citizenship as an integral part of any legislative solution secures a complete integration process. Both the president and faith leaders understand that citizenship must be earned, yet denying it will create a two-tier society attempting to live one dream: the American dream."
Rev. Gabriel Salguero, President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition:
"Today's meeting with President Obama is a clarion sign for Latino Evangelicals that immigration reform is possible. We need strong bipartisan leadership from Republicans and Democrats that finally creates a just and humane solution. Latino Evangelicals stand committed to see this through in ways that provide an earned path to citizenship while addressing any security concerns. Immigration reform now!"
Rev. Jim Wallis, President and CEO, Sojourners:
"The building momentum for immigration reform is proof that it's still possible to lift up the common good, and not just political ideology, in Washington, D.C. The faith community has called for political action on immigration for years and is encouraged to see the leadership the president is taking. President Obama made clear how high a priority immigration reform is for him and the White House and that the involvement of the faith community will be an integral part of ensuring it passes. If the bully pulpit of the White House and the pulpits of the faith community speak to the moral issues at stake in this debate, we can accomplish a genuine, bipartisan solution to fixing our broken immigration system. I'm leaving the White House today encouraged that it can and will happen.
Immigration Reform Must Include Roadmap to Citizenship
March 05, 2013
Washington, D.C — In a newly published book, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and co-author Clint Bolick suggest that immigration reform need not include a pathway to citizenship. The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"A path to citizenship will be a key part of immigration reform that Congress is working on this year. The bipartisan 'Gang of Eight' in the Senate have included citizenship in their principles, and their colleagues in both houses are following their lead and recognizing that the American dream dims for all of us if we create a class of people for whom citizenship is out of reach.
"Republicans and Democrats alike are following the lead of the American people, who recognize that hardworking immigrants should have a roadmap to citizenship so they can become fully participating Americans. Poll after poll shows strong support for a road to citizenship, among Americans of all political stripes."
"Now is the time for reform that truly unites us and brings all aspiring Americans out of the shadows. As Congress takes up serious legislation, we expect that a workable roadmap to earned citizenship will be a central piece."
President Obama Meets with Sens. McCain and Graham on Immigration Reform Legislation
February 26, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican senators John McCain (Arizona) and Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) will meet with President Obama today to discuss immigration reform legislation. Both senators are part of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" group that in January released a framework for immigration reform. This is President Obama's most direct involvement in the Senate negotiations to date.
Business, faith and law enforcement voices across the country continue to express support for congressional action to fix our immigration laws once and for all. Today in Arizona, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and more than 125 members of Arizona's business community unveiled a letter commending the efforts of Republican senators John McCain and Jeff Flake. The letter states, "In order to ensure the competitive standing and economic strength of Arizona and the United States, we must have a robust and fair immigration process that promotes legal immigration while securing our nation's borders."
Bryan Derreberry, President and CEO of the Charleston (S.C.) Metro Chamber of Commerce, reinforced the economic urgency: "South Carolina's modern economy, with a growing high-tech sector and a booming tourism industry, demand immigration laws that fit the realities of today's economy. For our state to continue to grow and prosper, it is critical that Congress finally fix our broken immigration system. We are glad to see Senator Graham addressing this difficult issue head-on and look forward to a solution that works for South Carolina businesses of all sizes and in all sectors."
And in Texas, leaders from the law enforcement, business and faith communities have come together to urge Congress to move forward on immigration solutions at the Texas Immigration Summit in Austin and in the launch of the Texas Compact.
Sheriff Guadalupe "Lupe" Treviño of Hidalgo County, Texas, praised today's meeting, stating, "I'm encouraged by the continuing bipartisan spirit in Washington for prompt action on immigration reform legislation. As the sheriff of Hidalgo County, I know firsthand the importance of long-term improvements to our immigration system to strengthen the partnerships between local police and the immigrant community and to promote public safety for everyone."
"Today's talks offer a bipartisan light unheard of in a divided Washington," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "Congress is moving full steam ahead on immigration reform as both Democrats and Republicans realize that an improved immigration process is smart politics and smart policy for the nation."
ICYMI: Texas Immigration Summit, Compact Highlight Breadth of Support for Immigration Reform
February 22, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As bipartisan momentum for immigration reform builds in Congress, leaders across the country and the political spectrum are appealing for broad, commonsense reform this year. A shining example is Texas, whose representatives in Congress are no longer witnessing only silence on immigration reform from their constituents.
Since last week, bipartisan voices in Texas have emerged in force, seeking broad, commonsense immigration reform on the federal level. Moderate and conservative voices were prominent at both the Texas Immigration Summit in Austin and in the launch of the Texas Compact.
At the Feb. 13 summit a new network, Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform, joined the Texas Immigration Solution to emphasize the need for reform. (Watch newly posted video from the summit.) Faith, law enforcement and business leaders urged action now.
"For us, this is a sacred issue," said Dr. David Fleming, Senior Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston. "God has an opinion on what we ought to do. We look into His word and we discover what His word says, and we just have a moral imperative to see this problem solved for the sake of the people who are caught in the system."
"This has become a political debate instead of a good policy debate," said Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo. "We need to focus on good policy, and if both parties do that, you can't really argue against comprehensive reform. [Then] we can get back to the business of fighting crime. There is no value in taking our very precious resources in law enforcement and try to get us to start chasing the nanny. That does absolutely nothing for public safety."
"Texas should be the leader, and I would venture we are the leader in this debate," said George Antuna, Co-founder of Hispanic Republicans of Texas. "We are No. 1 in terms of business growth in the country — one of the strongest reasons is the Hispanic community. We need a multifaceted immigration plan that includes border security and a guest worker program, and we are communicating these needs with our leaders."
On Tuesday, a second group of faith, law enforcement and business leaders gathered to launch the Texas Compact, a declaration of principles to guide the immigration debate in Texas and urge immigration reform at the federal level. The principles include emphases on law enforcement, families, the economy and a free society. Initial signatories include Henry Cisneros, Chairman of CityView and Former Mayor of San Antonio.
"We are hoping that this Texas Compact, led by faith leaders, social service leaders, education leaders and business leaders, will give [Congress] the courage to take the correct action and move forward comprehensive immigration reform," said Mike Nichols, Co-chair of the Texas Compact and Retired Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel, Sysco Corp.
"If we say we follow Christ, then we are commanded to love and welcome the stranger — immigrants. We must seek justice for them," added Deborah Fikes, Executive Advisor to the World Evangelical Alliance and Board Member of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Texas leaders' strong support for immigration reform now should serve as a wake-up call to legislators in Washington. As Mark Shurtleff, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Immigration Forum and Republican Former Attorney General of Utah, said upon the launch of the Texas Compact, "We're building a tidal wave heading towards Washington, D.C., giving strength and support and guidance and direction, hopefully, to our members of Congress. … The timing is now for comprehensive, just, compassionate, commonsense immigration reform."
Chamber of Commerce, AFL-CIO Announce Shared Principles for Immigration Reform
February 21, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO released a statement of principles on immigration reform. The following quote can be attributed to Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"Today's announcement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO confirms that we are on track to pass bipartisan immigration legislation this year. All of the pieces of the immigration reform puzzle are falling into place — on and off Capitol Hill. When labor and business move forward in a unified fashion, their power to move policies for the American worker and the American economy is a game changer."
White House Immigration Proposal Shows Urgency for Prompt Legislative Action
February 19, 2013
Congress Must Put Pen to Paper on Broad and Bipartisan Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Saturday night, USA Today published a leaked draft of the White House's immigration reform proposal. The draft bill features a direct path to legal permanent residency within eight years for undocumented immigrants if they meet certain requirements. It expands security funding and requires employers to check the legal status of their workers. The White House has stated that the leaked legislation was not final and it was meant to be a backup plan. The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"While political guesswork focuses on how a White House leak might influence the negotiation process in Congress, the fact is that immigration reform remains on track, propelled by broad public support and a steady pro-reform movement of conservative 'Bibles, Badges and Business.'
"Look no further than the Lone Star State for proof of the turning tide in the immigration debate. Last week in Austin, conservative business, faith and law enforcement leaders in Texas urged their congressional delegation to support broad immigration reform during the Texas Immigration Summit. And today, conservative leadership from these constituencies launched the Texas Compact, a declaration of Texan values for sound immigration policy.
"The political bipartisan spirit exists now for prompt action on immigration solutions. The time for partisan bickering is over. It's time for serious legislating to begin on a balanced package that includes a meaningful path to earned citizenship. We are confident that the White House and Congress can find a reasonable course forward to get reform done, get it done right, and make it work."
Leaders Announce "Texas Compact" as Immigration Reform Gains Momentum
February 19, 2013
TEXAS — This morning, Texas leaders in the faith, law enforcement and business communities announced the Texas Compact, a declaration of principles to guide the immigration debate in Texas and urge immigration reform at the federal level. As momentum continues to build for broad, commonsense federal reform, these principles serve to remind the Texas delegation in Congress that Texans support broad, bipartisan reform.
Initial signatories comprise faith, law enforcement and business leaders from Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, including Henry Cisneros, Chairman of CityView and Former Mayor of San Antonio. The compact follows the immigration-focused Texas Summit in Austin last week and paves the way for "Immigration Summit 2.0" in Houston on Wednesday.
The quotes below can be attributed to the following speakers at today's press conference:
Mike Nichols, Co-chair of the Texas Compact and Retired Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel, Sysco Corp:
"There seems to be a fear by many Texas congressmen to support immigration reform. We are hoping that this Texas Compact, led by faith leaders, social service leaders, education leaders and business leaders, will give the courage to take the correct action and move forward comprehensive immigration reform."
Marlin R. Suell, Chief Deputy at the Dallas County Sheriff's Department:
"As law enforcement leaders, our first priority is public safety. That is why we are here. That is what the communities and the citizens that we serve require from us. We see how communities can become less safe when residents don't trust local law enforcement. We have to be allowed to do our job and keep our communities safe and not spend time and efforts on federal immigration laws. We feel like with a collaborative effort, we can make the right decisions and continue to protect but also provide a community for everyone here in Texas."
Deborah Fikes, Executive Advisor to the World Evangelical Alliance and Board Member of the National Association of Evangelicals:
"Scripture — Old Testament and New Testament — repeatedly commands followers of Christ to care for the stranger, to welcome them. Sometimes laws need to be changed, and I feel like our laws have been very, very draconian. It has hurt families tremendously. ... We can no longer justify not being on the forefront of this issue, because if we say we follow Christ, then we are commanded to love and welcome the stranger — immigrants. We must seek justice for them."
Laura G. Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:
"Certainly with Texas and our proximity to Mexico, which is the U.S.'s second-largest trading partner, we understand the importance and the value that immigrants bring to this country. We need to continue to promote commerce, trade, tourism. For Texas in particular, that's truly a huge, huge economic factor for us."
Marcia Nichols, Co-chair of the Texas Compact:
"One of the reasons we have the breadth, the hard work of individuals trying to come to our country is because we have done something very right in the past. We have provided platforms through education, through opportunities, through a system of laws, for individuals with hard work and with a vision of themselves that exceeds their present reality — they have been able to be a part of this great experiment called democracy. … We have an opportunity to align our political creativity with our highest values."
Mark Shurtleff, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Immigration Forum and Republican Former Attorney General of Utah:
"We're building a tidal wave heading towards Washington, D.C., giving strength and support and guidance and direction, hopefully, to our members of Congress. They are now finally talking about a bipartisan approach to comprehensive immigration reform … The timing is now for comprehensive, just, compassionate, commonsense immigration reform. The word needs to get to those members of Congress that you can do the right thing."
White House Immigration Proposal Released to USA Today
February 16, 2013
Summary includes path to citizenship and enforcement – no details on future flow system
Washington, D.C — Today, USA Today reported details of the White House immigration legislation. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"The scant details provided offer a glimpse of what looks to be very moderate White House proposal. On one hand, we are pleased a clear, achievable road to citizenship is proposed for the undocumented. On the other hand, the resources necessary for an unspecified number of Border Patrol and a massive increase in immigration judges would be better used at ports of entry and reducing the backlog for legal immigrants.
"Most importantly, the lack of attention paid to the future of America's legal immigration system must change. America's economy needs the President and Congress to craft a stable immigration system that serves our economy and our workforce. Commonsense immigration reform must include a functioning immigration system for the future; reform does not begin and end with citizenship and enforcement alone. We hope the bipartisan process underway in the Senate achieves this goal."
Drive for Immigration Reform Gathers Strength Within and Outside Washington
February 15, 2013
Texas Events Encapsulate Broad Push
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress prepares to move from immigration principles toward legislative action, the voices encouraging bipartisan, commonsense reform are broadening. This week, interwoven with the State of the Union address and the first Senate hearing on immigration reform, faith, law enforcement and business leaders underscored their support for reform this year.
On Monday, the new "Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform" network officially launched. The network is the result of two years of alliance-building among conservative faith, law enforcement and business leaders who have forged a new consensus that we need a better immigration process. Bibles, Badges and Business leaders from across the country already are pressing members of Congress to make immigration reform an urgent priority.
The tone of the debate is shifting in Washington, too. After President Obama spoke of immigration reform in the State of the Union, including a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who aspire to be fully American, Republicans praised the president's comments. Meanwhile, polls continue to indicate that American voters, including a majority of Republicans, strongly support creating a roadmap to earned citizenship.
"There can be no question that Americans are ready for a rational, bipartisan and broad response from Congress that improves our immigration process and welcomes hardworking immigrants who want to contribute fully to our communities as citizens," said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. "We are glad that Congress is picking up the ball, and we expect them to follow the example of Bibles, Badges and Business across the nation and forge an immigration consensus that is good for America. The time has come to act."
Investment in Citizenship Will Strengthen Country, Assist Promising Americans Now Priced Out
February 14, 2013
Advocates launch "Becoming Americans" campaign calling on Congress, U.S.C.I.S. to support legal "green card" holder immigrants who dream of American citizenship
An investment in citizenship and reduction of naturalization fees will strengthen our democracy and will keep the United States economically competitive globally, a group of researchers and immigrant advocates said on a national media call today. A new report — "Nurturing Naturalization: Could Lowering the Fee Help?" — indicates that for working poor immigrants with less education and income, the $680 cost of applying for U.S. citizenship has become a major barrier to becoming Americans — especially for Mexican immigrants.
The "Nurturing Naturalization" report was conducted by the University of Southern California Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII) and commissioned by the National Partnership for New Americans (Partnership). Together with a report released last week by the Pew Hispanic Center ("The Path Not Taken"), the new report shows that the American dream of citizenship has become unaffordable for many immigrants to the U.S.
"When the fees went up, the share of those who are less educated who applied went down dramatically, the length of time between entering the country and naturalizing went up dramatically, and the share of Mexican immigrants, who tend to be more working class, went down dramatically," said Dr. Manuel Pastor, Co-Director of CSII and report co-author. "The cost of the naturalization fee is having an impact on who are able to apply."
According to original analysis in the "Nurturing Naturalization" report, "Fee increases trigger a dramatic decline in the naturalization of less educated (and likely lower income) immigrants, an increase in the number of years immigrants wait to become citizens, and a change in the national origin of the naturalizing population, in particular a relative reduction in those who were born in Mexico." In addition, the report indicates:
• The percentage of immigrants with less than a high school education becoming U.S. citizens has declined by 50% since 1996, from 30% of the total down to 15% currently. Most of the decline has come since 2007, when the cost of citizenship increased from $395 to $675.
• The percentage of Mexican immigrants becoming U.S. citizens also declined dramatically, from a high of 24% of the total in 1996 to a current low of 13%. Again, most of the decline has come since the 2007 fee increase.
• Working poor immigrants, those with less education and income, are deeply sensitive to price increases.
• The significant increases in the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship — which cost only $95 as recently as 1997 — have resulted in a systemic barrier to U.S. citizenship for the working poor.
As noted in the "The Path Not Taken," despite these barriers, fully 93 percent of Latino immigrants want to become U.S. citizens.
"We at the Partnership take naturalization very seriously, having helped 14,448 immigrants to naturalize last year," said Joshua Hoyt, National Partnership for New Americans Co-Chair and Chief Strategy Executive for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). "Much of the national debate has centered on a path to citizenship for the undocumented; however, largely overlooked are the 8.5 million legal permanent residents who are eligible for citizenship and eager to naturalize. We believe that helping them to become full citizens is better for them and better for our nation."
"It is as true today as in the early days of our nation: Immigrants are eager to become full-fledged Americans," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "As Congress gets to work on fixing our immigration laws to include a road to citizenship for immigrants without papers, our naturalization process must continue to improve. As a proud nation of immigrants, we should be encouraging, not burdening, contributing immigrants in their journey to citizenship."
The Partnership, together with the National Immigration Forum, announced the "Becoming Americans" campaign, to allow hardworking immigrants to pursue their dream of becoming U.S. citizens. The advocates called on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.) to examine its fee structure and to reduce the costs of U.S. citizenship, especially for the working poor. The groups called on Congress to recognize the value of citizenship by investing in immigrant integration and putting naturalization fees within reach for our newest Americans.
"CHIRLA works with immigrants who want to become citizens every day. They want to be fully integrated and they want to give back to the country that they love, but price is a major barrier," said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), a member of the Partnership. "The fact that the poorest among us are not becoming citizens should show us that we need to change the fees so that the decision to become a citizen is about allegiance and not about affordability. It is up to Congress and U.S.C.I.S. to decide if they are going to open a golden door of opportunity to all or shut it because of the high cost of citizenship."
"When I was a child, I wasn't always clear on the difference between being a legal permanent resident and a U.S. citizen. But as I grew up, I became aware of what citizenship means," said Margarita Gutierrez, a Mexican immigrant and college graduate living in Portland, Oregon, who has delayed becoming a citizen due to high fees. "As farmworkers, because of their lack of understanding of the process and the high fees, my parents haven't been able to naturalize."
The "Nurturing Naturalization" report has been delivered to U.S.C.I.S. Director Alejandro Mayorkas, and the Partnership has met with him several times asking that he address and reduce the obstacles preventing new Americans from becoming U.S. citizens.
About The Partnership
The National Partnership for New Americans (Partnership) advances the integration and active citizenship of immigrants to achieve a vibrant, just, and welcoming democracy for all. The Partnership is a national multiethnic, multiracial partnership that harnesses the collective power and resources of 12 of the largest immigrant advocacy organizations in the country to mobilize millions of immigrants for integration and transformative social change. The Partnership creates and implements innovative programs that help immigrants become active and engaged citizens working for a stronger and more inclusive democracy and a vibrant nation.
About CSII
The Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII) has as its mission to remake the narrative for understanding, and the dialogue for shaping, immigrant integration in America. CSII brings together three emphases: scholarship that draws on academic theory and rigorous research, data that provides information structured to highlight the process of immigrant integration over time, and engagement that seeks to create new dialogues with government, community organizers, business and civic leaders, immigrants and the voting public.
About the National Immigration Forum
The National Immigration Forum advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation. In service to this mission, the Forum promotes responsible federal immigration policies, addressing today's economic and national security needs while honoring the ideals of our Founding Fathers, who created America as a land of opportunity. The Forum has worked to advance sound federal immigration solutions through its policy expertise, communications outreach and coalition building work, which forges powerful alliances of diverse constituencies across the country to build consensus on the important role of immigrants in America.
Bipartisan Framework for Immigration Reform Receives Boost in State of the Union
February 12, 2013
Now Congress Must Move Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In his State of the Union address tonight, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to bipartisan immigration reform in 2013, including a path to citizenship for those who aspire to become fully American. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"It is good to hear the president emphasize again the importance of commonsense, bipartisan immigration reform in 2013. The president's comments are in line with the strong framework recently announced by a bipartisan group of senators, which should serve as the starting point for the imminent immigration-reform debate in Congress.
"The senators' principles include a roadmap to earned citizenship for hardworking immigrants. A process that ends in citizenship is not extreme, as some members of the House Judiciary Committee implied last week. Across the board, American voters strongly support earned citizenship and are uncomfortable with the idea of creating permanent second-class residents for whom the American dream is always just beyond reach.
"The call for a 21st century immigration system is loud and clear, not only from the president but also from Americans of all political stripes. Including, as we have seen over and over again over the past two years, Americans who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business. It is time for Congress to seize the moment and work together to make reform a reality."
Senate Passes Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
February 12, 2013
Bill Includes Important Protections for Immigrant Women
Washington, D.C — Today the Senate overwhelmingly passed S. 47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill expands protections for immigrant women by broadening the qualifications for a U Visa, a visa for immigrant survivors of crimes who assist law enforcement. However, unlike a similar reauthorization bill in 2012, the 2013 version does not increase the number of U Visas available each year. In 2012, that increase stalled the bill in the House of Representatives. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"We are glad to see the Senate once again stand up for the rights and safety of all women, including immigrant women. Our nation's values call on us to protect every survivor, no matter where she was born, and so should its laws. Not just women but all of us will benefit from the safer communities that will result when this bill becomes law. The Senate has addressed last year's sticking point in the House, and we expect to see the House pass the bill in short order."
'Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform' Launches, Encourages Bipartisan Legislation
February 11, 2013
**To listen to a recording of today's call, please visit http://tinyurl.com/reform-feb-11**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the debate in Congress over immigration reform heats up and the president prepares his State of the Union address, faith, law enforcement and business leaders today launched the "Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform" (BBB) network. This national network is the fruit of two years of alliance-building between conservative faith, law enforcement and business leadership in the Mountain West, Midwest and Southeast who support a better immigration process and are ready to press Congress for action on reform.
On Wednesday, the BBB network is partnering with the Texas Immigration Solution for the Texas Summit: Taking a new consensus on immigrants and America to Congress. The summit will bring together conservative business, law enforcement and faith leaders in Texas who are ready to show the Texas congressional delegation that an improved immigration process can be consistent with conservative values.
"The business community in Texas is united in its effort to bring comprehensive immigration reform to Texas and to the country," said Bill Hammond, President and CEO, Texas Association of Business. "Immigration reform will keep the economy in Texas going strong and treat those who are already here fairly. We are committed to bringing this change at the federal level, and we hope to be successful this year."
"Right now we are at an unprecedented moment in American history where we have strong bipartisan support," said Gabriel Salguero, President of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition and a member of the Evangelical Immigration Table. "For evangelicals, it's a humane, moral issue. We're bringing the values voters to the table to say: We need immigration reform because it's the right thing to do economically, morally, and for the families being divided … We want laws that respect human dignity, and one of those things is earned path to citizenship. For us as evangelicals, we want earned legal status so that no one is permanently in the shadows."
"Conservative principles and those underlying the Bibles, Badges and Business network can really bring people together," added Mark Shurtleff, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Immigration Forum, Republican Former Attorney General of Utah and a Partner with Troutman Sanders. "I'm very excited to support and continue to work with Bibles, Badges and Business to now convince Congress, in particular conservative Republican members of Congress, that it's time to work together across the aisle and with the White House in order to bring a commonsense, pragmatic resolution this year to the issue of immigration."
"Local and state law enforcement, especially in southern Texas, is very excited about the bipartisan efforts that are being made toward comprehensive immigration reform," said Guadalupe "Lupe" Treviño, Sheriff, Hidalgo County, Texas. "Workable immigration reform is probably the best step that can be taken in order to continue to enhance border security. We need our state and local officers to concentrate on local crime and not on federal immigration issues. Immigration reform actually would strengthen security in our communities all across the country, not only in the great state of Texas."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, concluded, "While the president must continue to shape the debate through the use of the bully pulpit, ultimately, it is up to Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill to follow in the footsteps of Bibles, Badges and Business to forge a congressional consensus on immigrants and America. With Democrats and Republicans recognizing the moral, economic and political imperative to improve our immigration process, the 113th Congress marks the best opportunity for commonsense immigration reform in nearly a decade."
President Discusses Immigration Reform with Business Leaders, Advocates
February 05, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the White House continued its intense focus on immigration reform, in meetings this morning with immigrant advocates and this afternoon with business leaders. As bipartisan leaders in Congress begin the work of reforming immigration policy, President Obama continues to emphasize the need for broad, commonsense reform, including a roadmap to earned citizenship, and the opportunity for Congress to push ahead with reform in coming months.
"I am encouraged by the President's leadership in prioritizing immigration reform this year. Ongoing leadership from the White House is crucial," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
"The onus is on Congress to answer the clarion call on immigration by the American people including those who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business," Noorani continued. "The political dynamic on immigration has changed. Republicans and Democrats are finally realizing that immigration reform is smart politics for both, and smart policy for the nation."
Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC and Co-founder of America Online, participated in the business leaders' meeting.
"I was encouraged by today's immigration discussion at the White House," Case said. "The President and his team listened to numerous proposals, outlined many of their own and expressed a desire to build a bipartisan consensus regarding comprehensive immigration reform.
"I focused my comments on the reforms we need to attract and retain the world's most talented innovators and entrepreneurs, as they have been and will continue to be critical contributors to our nation's economic success. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help pass comprehensive immigration reform in the months ahead — and ensure it includes strong provisions regarding high-skilled immigration, so we are positioned to win the global battle for talent."
House Hearing Opens Conversation on Immigration Reform in Congress
February 05, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Judiciary Committee is holding the first hearing on immigration reform of the 113th Congress. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"Today is a new day on Capitol Hill for immigration. We hail the bipartisan consensus, both within and outside Congress, that has brought immigration reform to the fore, and we are pleased to see the House Judiciary Committee prioritize the conversation around improving our immigration process. The conversation now beginning in Congress provides Republicans and Democrats a real opportunity to come together for the good of our economy and our communities.
"As Congress moves forward from strong general principles and begins to hash out policy details, legislators must acknowledge that Americans across party lines recognize the need for a better immigration process.
"Leaders who hold Bibles are highlighting the importance of family unity and ensuring that immigrants have the opportunity to become fully American through earned citizenship — with both the freedoms and the obligations that citizenship entails. In the words of evangelical leader Mathew Staver today, a just immigration process 'must end with citizenship — not a permanent second-class status.'
"Law enforcement leaders who are dealing with the results of a broken system look forward to reform that allows them to focus their limited resources on community safety, not on immigration enforcement. And business leaders support reform that ensures a skilled workforce across the labor spectrum, from the adept farmworker to the expert engineer.
"These 'Bibles, Badges and Business' leaders have joined opinion makers and elected officials in both parties in calling for a rational conversation that leads to broad, commonsense reform. Now Congress must take the next step."
Senators to Announce Bipartisan Principles on Immigration Reform
January 28, 2013
Framework Is Powerful, Practical Start
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of senators will officially release a framework today for broad immigration reform that includes a conditional path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The plan also includes reforms to the legal immigration system based upon the needs of the economy, creation of an employment verification system and an improved process for admitting future workers. Many of the details have yet to be hammered out, but legislation is expected to be drafted by March.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"We are pleased to see our political leaders in both parties prioritize broad, commonsense immigration reform, starting with their announcement of these principles. For these Republicans and Democrats to be leading their parties forward speaks volumes. Creating a 21st century immigration process won't be easy, but the framework the senators are proposing is a powerful and practical start to the legislative process, and it will make the peaks and valleys ahead much easier to traverse.
"The bipartisan support surrounding immigration reform is unlike nearly any other issue facing Congress because people who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business want a commonsense immigration system. And today's debate on immigration is fundamentally different from previous reform efforts for exactly the same reason.
"These 'Bibles, Badges and Business' leaders have worked together over the past two years to forge a new consensus on immigrants and America. Thanks to their leadership in the Mountain West, Midwest and Southeast, and in Washington, D.C., today's framework is an articulation of that bipartisan consensus.
"From the leadership of the Evangelical Immigration Table to the vision of the Utah Compact to conservative voices speaking publicly for reform, momentum is on our side.
"What lies ahead will not be easy, and compromise will be necessary. But leaders in both parties are clearly ready to do their jobs and create an immigration process that serves the needs of all Americans."
To read the Senate's principles for immigration reform, please visit:
Opening Shot for Immigration Overhaul as Administration and Congress Unveil Visions for Reform
January 25, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — All signs point to major action on broad immigration reform in the coming weeks. Today, the White House announced that President Obama will debut his plans for an immigration overhaul during an event Tuesday in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, a bipartisan working group of senators is likely to release broad principles for reform next Friday. Congress is expected to move forward on legislation as early as this spring. According to the Washington Post, the Senate's "timetable would aim for a bill to be written by March or April and potentially considered for final passage in the Senate as early as the summer."
"The momentum behind immigration reform is growing stronger each day. We welcome efforts by Congress and President Obama to bring immigration to center stage," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
Last week alone, prominent evangelical, business and law enforcement leaders voiced their support for the federal government to get to work on immigration reform that achieves real results. In hundreds of churches across the country, evangelical Christians are participating in the "I Was a Stranger" challenge, inviting pastors, congregants, and members of Congress to read a short passage of Scripture each day for 40 consecutive days that speaks to God's love for immigrants and to pray for the immigrants in their community.
Added Noorani, "When it comes to crafting workable immigration solutions, people who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business are ready to work with both Democrats and Republicans to reach a consensus on a reasonable course forward on immigration. And as recent public opinion polls show, an overwhelming majority of Americans want federal action on commonsense immigration solutions that include a road to citizenship. American voters know it's the right thing to do. Now, our nation's leaders are finally realizing that it's also very smart politics. Progress on immigration reform this year is within Washington's grasp."
For more information on the Evangelical Immigration Table's I Was a Stranger challenge, visit: http://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/iwasastranger/
To read a summary of news coverage from last week's business, law enforcement and faith events on immigration, as well as poll results, please visit:
New Day For Immigration Reform as New Administration and Congress Get to Work
January 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Obama takes the oath of office on Monday and the 113th Congress gets to work, momentum for immigration reform is building among voters and leaders across the political spectrum. This week alone, business, faith and law enforcement leaders have issued clear calls for Congress and the President to make reform a reality, and a new poll shows that American voters — Republicans and Democrats alike — support a better immigration process that includes a path to citizenship.
On Monday, the Evangelical Immigration Table launched the "I Was a Stranger" immigration prayer challenge, in which pastors will invite both their congregants and their members of Congress to read a passage of Scripture relating to immigrants and immigration daily for 40 days. Then, on Thursday, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas J. Donohue and Barrett Duke of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission joined other business, law enforcement and faith leaders and named immigration reform as one of their top legislative priorities in 2013.
Congress needs to catch up with the American public on a bipartisan immigration strategy. A poll released Friday shows that voters overwhelmingly support far-reaching changes to create an immigration process that works over the long term (see additional information below). Nearly two-thirds, including majorities of both Republicans and Democrats, believe that people without documents should have the opportunity to legalize and move toward citizenship
"Republicans and Democrats alike need to gather around a table to develop rational immigration policy that serves the interests of every American family," said Jeb Bush Jr., chief operating officer at Jeb Bush & Associates and Member of the Board of Directors at the National Immigration Forum. "Now it is time for our national political leaders to get the cues from the American public and move forward with responsible reform — reform that ensures our security and respects the rule of law, but also acknowledges the importance of immigrants to our economy and our communities."
"A new day has arrived in the push for legislative reform," said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. "Leaders in both parties know we urgently need a better immigration strategy, and they have the support of the American public. We expect Congress to advance long-term immigration solutions in 2013."
For Immediate Release
Jan. 18, 2013
Contact: Gebe Martinez 202-714-2136 or Pili Tobar 305-890-3076
Common Sense Solution Favored over "Enforcement First" Option
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A solid majority of U.S. voters favor common sense immigration reform that includes a path to earned citizenship for current undocumented immigrants, and strong accountability measures, according to a groundbreaking, bipartisan poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, a Republican polling firm, and Hart Research Associates, a Democratic firm.
The national survey of 1,003 registered voters, sponsored by Service Employees International Union, America's Voice Education Fund, and National Immigration Forum, showed voters wanting a long-term fix for the immigration system that includes a path to full citizenship for immigrants here without papers.
Almost four out of five voters said they support a system that requires immigrants to pay taxes, holds employers accountable for hiring legal workers and prevents them from exploiting immigrant labor, improves border security and ensures that undocumented immigrants have a chance to work towards citizenship. The plan is broadly favored across partisan, ideological, regional and ethnic groups; more information is available here.
When asked directly about support for creating a path to full citizenship for immigrants versus temporary status, 87 percent of Americans said "it would be better to give people a chance to eventually earn citizenship at some point after they register for legal status, pass a background check, learn English, and pay taxes," while just 7 percent said "they should be allowed to qualify for legal status and work in the United States but should never be given the chance to earn citizenship." Support for citizenship was strong across party lines, with 83% of Republicans, 91% of Democrats, and 82% of Independents choosing full integration.
Other key findings include:
• When asked to choose between deporting undocumented immigrants "because they are taking away jobs that Americans need" versus allowing them to become legal taxpayers, "so they pay their fair share and can work toward citizenship in the future," a solid 73 percent favored the citizenship option over deportation, which received only 22 percent.
• When asked to choose between focusing first on securing the border versus requiring immigrants to "become legal and pay taxes, while also improving border security," 64 percent favored the combined solution versus 31 percent for border enforcement "first."
• After hearing pros and cons about the complete reform package, support remained solid and strong. While 77 percent expressed support for the plan and 14 percent said they were opposed at the outset, support rose to 80 percent and opposition stayed at 14 percent after respondents heard arguments against the proposal.
• Voters support politicians who lean into this issue and support a fair and permanent solution. Fully 53 percent of Americans (including 53% of Republicans) said they would be more likely to vote for their Member of Congress if he or she voted for this plan, while only 8 percent of all voters (and 8 percent of Republicans) said they would be less likely to vote for him or her. One-third said that the Member's vote on immigration reform wouldn't matter either way.
While Congress has numerous top issues on its plate, three out of four voters agree the current system is not working well and almost half of the respondents said that fixing the immigration system is a very high or high priority.
According to Geoff Garin, President, Hart Research Associates, "There is a clear message in these findings that Americans from across the political spectrum understand the need for broad-based immigration reform, and if Congress acts on a comprehensive plan the public is ready to support it."
Said Guy Molyneux, Partner at Hart Research Associates, "For immigration reform to become a reality, Washington just needs to find as much common ground on immigration as the American people have already discovered."
Bill McInturff, Partner and Co-Founder at Public Opinion Strategies added, "This survey tells us addressing concerns like taxes and border security helps create the foundation for a plan that many voters see as 'accountable.' This is particularly important to Republicans and Independents to support immigration reform."
Jeb Bush Jr., COO at Jeb Bush & Associates and Member of the Board of Directors at the National Immigration Forum said, "The results of this poll confirm that Americans of all political stripes agree that the current patchwork of immigration policies is not working for our nation's best interests. I'm encouraged to see that a strong majority of Republican voters recognize the need for a long term solution that includes a path to citizenship."
According to Eliseo Medina, Secretary-Treasurer, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), "This poll confirms what we have long believed, that fixing the broken immigration system is not just a Latino priority, but also a high priority for the American people. The full package of immigration reforms, including a roadmap to citizenship, is the solution voters want and is not the third rail of politics that politicians have long feared. We look forward to a robust discussion, one that will be based on what is best for America, our economy, for business and for immigrants, and not on scapegoating or wedge issue politics."
Added Frank Sharry, Executive Director at America's Voice Education Fund, "Those of us who have in the past been skeptical of getting Republican support are seeing signs that the GOP lawmakers may finally be catching up to the American people. And given the strong support for broad reform from voters in both parties we think these findings will be informative and inspiring to members of Congress on both sides of the aisle."
• Link to top-line poll results: http://seiu.me/toplines0113
• Link to crosstabs: http://seiu.me/crosstabs0113
• Link to PowerPoint presentation on results: http://seiu.me/ppt0113
• Link to call recording: http://seiu.me/audio0113
U.S. Chamber, Southern Baptists Make Immigration Reform One of Their Top Legislative Priorities
January 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Days before the inauguration and just as the 113th Congress is settling into place, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a former Secretary of Commerce under President George W. Bush joined law enforcement and faith leaders at a press conference today to urge Congress to work together and pass broad immigration reform in 2013. With Democrats and Republicans recognizing the moral, economic and political imperative to improve our immigration process, the new Congress marks the best opportunity for broad immigration reform in nearly a decade.
These leaders from the national, state and local level discussed the new consensus on immigrants and America that has emerged in the past 18 months as Americans across the political spectrum have come together to seek a new, workable immigration process. Most recently, local faith, law enforcement and business leaders from around the country gathered in Washington in December to meet with legislators and underscore the need for a rational bipartisan conversation that leads to broad, commonsense reform.
The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers at today's press conference:
Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
"Our current immigration system is broken. It's not serving the interests of our economy, our businesses, or our society. Immigration reform is an opportunity to fundamentally improve our global competitiveness, attract and retain the world's best talent and hardest workers, secure our borders, and keep faith with America's legacy as an open and welcoming society.
"We need a lawful, rational, and workable immigration system that secures our borders, provides the workers we need at all skill levels, and protects the rights of citizens, businesses, the undocumented, and those legally pursuing citizenship. The Chamber will make passage of immigration reform legislation one of our top priorities."
Indiana Attorney General Gregory F. Zoeller:
"The federal government has failed to perform its duty establishing immigration policy and enforcing existing immigration laws even though the U.S. Supreme Court has made clear this is primarily a federal, not a state, responsibility. Local and state law enforcement officers are reluctant to step into the role of being federal immigration agents over rightful concern of lawsuits, while immigrants are often victims of crime yet fear going to law enforcement. This is an opportunity for Congress to demonstrate it can achieve meaningful reform on a bipartisan basis."
Dr. Barrett Duke, Vice President for Public Policy and Research, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:
"Just immigration reform is a top-priority issue for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. We do not intend to let this fail. We will stay on top of this issue until Washington, D.C., and Congress do right by the 11 million undocumented immigrants here in our country. Millions of hardworking, peace-loving immigrants are caught in a no-man's-land in this land of opportunity. They cannot improve life for themselves and their families and they dare not come out of the shadows to ask for help. It falls to us who value them as human beings created in the image of God to make a pathway for them out of despair and into hope. It's what love would do."
Carlos Gutierrez, Vice Chairman, Citigroup; former U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President George W. Bush:
"The whole economy is suffering because we can't grow without immigration. If we don't get this right, shame on us, because this is about the future of our country, this is about competitiveness, this is about who is going to be a global leader in the 21st century. This has to become the No. 1 priority for the president, for Congress, to come together and say, 'We're going to fix this problem.' "
Ambassador (Ret) Johnny Young, Executive Director, Migration and Refugee Services, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
"Congress and the Administration must seize the moment on immigration. Because of our broken system, families are being divided and migrants are dying in the desert. We must repair the system and end this suffering."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"There are many important issues for the 113th Congress to address. But there are few issues that have a past, a present and a future of bipartisan support like immigration reform. Today's event is another indicator of the new consensus on immigrants and America that has emerged."
Illinois Driver's License Bill Exemplifies Bipartisan Consensus around Immigration
January 08, 2013
Washington, D.C. — Behind strong bipartisan support, the Illinois legislature voted today to grant a special temporary driver's license to immigrants who are in the country without authorization. This commonsense public-safety measure will ensure that all drivers on Illinois roads will have been tested on their driving skills and on the rules of the road, and that they will have insurance. It now goes to Gov. Patrick Quinn, who supports the legislation.
Support for the bill transcended party lines, a sign of a shift in the immigration debate. With support from business, health and faith leaders including the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council and the Catholic Conference of Illinois, Republicans and Democrats united around the importance of keeping Illinois families together and keeping everyone on Illinois roads safe.
"The reality is that people need to drive in order to feed their families," said Mark C. Curran (R), Sheriff of Lake County, Ill. "Having drivers who are uninsured, untrained and untested comes at a high cost to all of us. This bill will ensure that all Illinois drivers have licenses, which will make our roads safer for all drivers. It is the right move."
The bill began in the Illinois Senate, where co-sponsors included 16 Democrats and five Republicans. It passed the Senate 41-14. In the House, a similar bipartisan majority approved it 65-46.
"The Illinois Legislature has shown the way forward on immigration," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "More and more, political leaders around the country and in both parties are recognizing a new consensus among their constituents, one that recognizes the importance of immigrants and immigration to our nation and that demands a better immigration process.
"It is time for our leaders on the federal level to heed the call of law enforcement, business, faith and community leaders nationwide and create a better immigration process that keeps our families together, makes our communities safer and makes our economy stronger."
New Report Shows Record Immigration Enforcement Spending
January 07, 2013
In Belt-tightening Era, Government Should Choose Quality over Quantity
Washington, D.C — The Obama administration has made immigration its highest law enforcement priority, according to a report released today by the Migration Policy Institute. The federal government spent nearly $18 billion in immigration enforcement in fiscal year 2012, an amount approximately 24 percent higher than the combined spending on all other federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Secret Service.
The fact is that our borders are much safer and better monitored that they have been in decades. Unprecedented manpower, infrastructure and technology deployed in the last ten years for border security efforts led to a drop in apprehensions at the Southwest border to a level not seen since the 1970s. The plunge in apprehension is widely viewed as an indication that fewer immigrants are crossing illegally into the U.S.
"In this belt-tightening era, our government can't afford to continue to spend billions of dollars on immigration enforcement without a national immigration strategy," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "Immigration enforcement spending should be examined through the lens of eliminating wasteful government spending, strengthening America's global standing, and keeping the nation secure.
"Congress should eliminate government programs that are wasteful and burdensome, like Operation Streamline, which has inundated our court system and wasted precious judicial resources without any proven benefits. Effective border security policies will use taxpayers' dollars wisely by focusing enforcement resources on the most serious security threats.
"The border is as secure as it can get without a functioning legal immigration infrastructure provided by broad immigration reform. Congress should get to work right away on long-lasting, practical solutions that fundamentally improve our immigration process."
For more Forum resources on immigration enforcement, please read:
Cut Here: Reducing Wasteful Spending On Immigration Enforcement; Save More Than $2.6 Billion: http://immigrationforum.org/images/uploads/2011/Immigration%20Enforcement%20Fiscal%20Review%20Nov%202011%20.pdf
Immigration Enforcement Today Measured Against Benchmarks Set in 2007: http://www.immigrationforum.org/images/uploads/2011/EnforcementBenchmarks.pdf
The "Border Bubble": A Look at Spending on U.S. Borders: http://www.immigrationforum.org/images/uploads/2012/BorderBubble.pdf
New Congress Must Renew Commitment to Improve Immigration
January 03, 2013
Washington, D.C — Today starting at noon, the 113th Congress is being sworn in. Following an election in which both parties competed for new American voters, Republicans and Democrats alike recognize that now is the time to transcend partisan politics and create a better immigration process. Whether they are up to the challenge or not is the question.
"As we welcome the new Congress to Washington, we also welcome the new, bipartisan climate around immigration that has emerged in the past year," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "With Democrats and Republicans recognizing the moral, economic and political imperative to fix the immigration system, the 113th Congress marks the best opportunity for broad immigration reform in nearly a decade. Americans across the political spectrum are ready for action on immigration. Now is the time."
Members of Congress who show leadership on immigration reform will find broad support among voters. A December Politico/George Washington University poll showed that 62 percent of Americans support a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including an edge of 49 percent to 45 percent among Republicans.
"Key faith, law enforcement and business leaders — the political base for congressional Republicans — have forged a new consensus on immigrants and America and are on the cusp of launching grassroots efforts to support their legislators," Noorani added.
Local "Bibles, Badges and Business" leaders from around the country gathered in Washington last month to meet with legislators and underscore the need for a rational bipartisan conversation that leads to broad, commonsense reform, and they are keeping the pressure on in the new year, bringing a local perspective on the importance of reform.
"The contribution of foreign-born labor to the Idaho economy is substantial," Kenneth McClure, counsel for the Idaho Business Coalition for Immigration Reform, said at the December event. "In Idaho, a vibrant economy demands labor that our local labor force can't supply. If we're to grow, if we're to prosper, we need [immigrant] labor at both ends of the [economic] spectrum."
"Immigration is not a political issue for us, it's a moral, biblical, personal issue for us," added Dr. David Fleming, Senior Pastor, Champion Baptist Church, Houston. "We are building a consensus [on immigrants and America] outside the Beltway that will have implications inside the Beltway."
Since the election, momentum for reform has only increased as national conservative leaders have joined these leaders in "Bibles, Badges and Business" in acknowledging the social and economic need for change.
"It's time for Congress and the president to rise above partisan rhetoric and negotiate a new immigration process that strengthens our economy, our families and our security," Noorani said. "To keep America competitive and prosperous, the 113th Congress must pass, and the president must sign, broad immigration reform."
New Immigration Rule Keeps Families Together, Promotes Legal Immigration
January 02, 2013
Washington, D.C — Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published the final rule for the family unity waiver, a new process that will allow U.S. citizens' spouses and children who are eligible for a green card to file their applications for family unity from within the U.S. The process will be effective on March 4.
Currently, immigrants who are eligible for legalization because they have a U.S. citizen spouse or parent must return to their home countries to be interviewed for their visa. An immigrant who has been in the country for more than six months without legal status is banned from returning for either three or ten years once he or she departs.
This prohibition can be waived in cases of extreme hardship, but only once someone has left the country. The waiver decision can take months, during which time immigrants are separated from their families and are stranded abroad. They also may have to wait in dangerous locations such as Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the "murder capital of the Americas."
As a result of these overly harsh restrictions, many immigrants prefer not to risk long-term separation from their U.S. citizen spouses and children and instead choose to remain in the country without documents, even if they are eligible for a green card.
"The family unity waiver is an important improvement to our immigration process," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. "It removes a major obstacle to legal immigration and fixes bureaucratic hurdles that separate American families. Eligible immigrants will be able to come forward and legalize their status, and husbands, wives and children will not have to risk their lives to get their lawful visas.
"More can be done to make this good rule better. All immigrant families should be eligible for a family unity waiver, including the families of legal permanent residents — well on the road to citizenship — who experience equally compelling hardships of lengthy family separation.
"In the long run, Congress holds the key to effective, top-to-bottom improvements to our immigration process, and they must pass laws that address harsh immigration policies that only serve to keep American families apart."
Bipartisan Push for Immigration Reform Intensifies with Colorado Compact
December 12, 2012
Leaders Across the Political Spectrum Unite, Urge Congress to Act
Denver — Building on strong bipartisan momentum for immigration reform next year, Colorado leaders across the political spectrum are launching the Colorado Compact, a set of principles to encourage real and lasting federal reform. The effort was spearheaded by Democratic Senator Michael Bennet and Republican former Senator Hank Brown and includes a diverse list of over 100 prominent signers from across the state, including Bennet's 2010 Republican opponent, Ken Buck.
The Compact outlines six immigration principles to guide the conversation on immigration including keeping families together, having a visa system that responds to economic needs, ensuring our national security and recognizing that immigration policy is a matter that belongs to the federal government.
The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers at the press conference:
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado:
"Nearly eighteen months ago, we began a journey to chart a new path on immigration, away from the extreme rhetoric then engulfing the national conversation. We knew that the politics playing out on immigration did not represent our state — where Coloradans value working together, despite our differences and backgrounds, to solve problems in the best interests of our people and future generations. We now have the benefit of Colorado's voice to inform the work of the new Congress. There undoubtedly will be some tough conversations and disagreements ahead, but I am confident that by bringing a little bit of Colorado common sense and grit to Washington, we will fix our immigration system by ensuring it is more aligned with the needs of our economy, families and communities."
Former Sen. Hank Brown, R-Colorado*:
"Coloradans know how to work together to solve problems and get things done. With the current immigration system hurting so many sectors of our state, I was glad to help lead this effort with Sen. Bennet. The wide-reaching group of signers we've assembled is sending a message to Washington that it's time for action."
The Honorable Mark Shurtleff (R), Utah Attorney General:
"The Colorado Compact is further proof that momentum is building across the country to finally take a reasonable and bipartisan approach to immigration reform that will protect our borders, help our economy and protect families. We hope these principles would help guide federal legislation and guide our federal government to adopt a pragmatic and uniquely American approach to immigration."
Kelly Brough, President and CEO, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce:
"In Colorado, we effectively focused on the needs of industry and of our workforce and found the economic imperative for immigration solutions. If a politically diverse state like Colorado can take a sensible, nonpartisan path forward on immigration, then Washington should be able to do the same."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"The Colorado Compact shines as an example that bipartisan collaboration is possible and that a 21st century immigration process is achievable. Colorado joins the growing chorus of voices outside of Washington who demand a rational and collaborative approach to immigration."
* Former Sen. Brown was unable to join the press conference but sent a statement.
Conservative Leaders Push for Action on Immigration Reform in 2013
December 04, 2012
National Strategy Session Is "Opening Shot" for Reform Efforts
Pictures from the press conference available at: http://tinyurl.com/ForgingNSS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over 250 faith, law enforcement and business leaders from 26 states gathered today at the National Strategy Session to debut newly energized efforts — including Capitol Hill visits with key lawmakers — to push for broad immigration reform in early 2013.
This gathering builds on two years of hard work outside Washington, including successful regional summits, state compacts and other efforts in the Mountain West, Southeast and Midwest at which hundreds of business, faith and law-enforcement leaders have built new relationships, discussed state policies and urged pragmatic federal solutions. Now, these conversations are turning into action. This critical new alliance is ready to drive the issue to the fore and apply pressure on Republicans and Democrats in Congress and on President Obama to ensure that broad immigration reform is the first legislative priority in 2013.
The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers at the press conference:
Steve Case, AOL Co-founder and Revolution LLC Chairman:
"The story of America is the story of entrepreneurs starting new businesses and imagining whole new industries. Immigrant entrepreneurs are a central part of that story. We have the world's leading economy in part because we have attracted the world's most talented people. Ensuring that the best and brightest innovators and entrepreneurs start and help companies here in the United States, not in competitor nations abroad, will strengthen our economic competitiveness in the long term. This is why Democrats and Republicans should come together to fix our immigration system, as quickly and as broadly as possible, including urgent action on high-skilled visas."
Kenneth McClure, Counsel, Idaho Business Coalition for Immigration Reform:
"The contribution of foreign-born labor to the Idaho economy is substantial. A vibrant economy demands labor that local supply is unable to supply. That's why we need labor [immigration] solutions at both ends of the [economic] spectrum."
Angela Smith Jones, Director of Public Policy, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce:
"For the United States to continue to compete, we have to have an educated workforce, we need to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants and we have to have immigration reform. The key to America's success is to educate, strengthen the workforce, and bolster the economic core and tax base."
Jeb Bush Jr., Chief Operating Officer, Jeb Bush & Associates, LLC:
"For immigration to move forward in the next year, we need leaders from both parties come together and say 'enough is enough. Let's move forward.' [Immigration reform] is about being competitive. That's the bottom line. You have to have a competitive workforce. You have to have a competitive product to succeed … it's at the core of being a capitalist."
Dr. David Fleming, Senior Pastor, Champion Baptist Church, Houston:
"Immigration is not a political issue for us, it's a moral, biblical, personal issue for us … We are building a consensus [on immigrants and America] outside the Beltway that will have implications inside the Beltway."
Stephan Bauman, President and CEO, World Relief:
"We are at the precipice of immigration reform. Our faith commands that we welcome immigrants, and our country has an opportunity to enact policies that reflect our biblical values of justice, compassion and hospitality."
Law enforcement:
The Honorable Mark Shurtleff, Attorney General, Utah:
"The immigration issue is an issue of freedom, of human dignity and of a country coming together to do the right thing … America is uniquely rooted in the concept that no matter who you are or where you come from, you should be able to succeed here if you roll up your sleeves and work hard."
Chris Burbank, Chief of Police, Salt Lake City:
"I do not believe that local law enforcement should be acting as immigration enforcement agents. Immigration is a federal issue."
Mayor Paul Bridges (R), Uvalda, Georgia:
"My Republican friends here inside the Beltway need to look at this issue for what it really is … put that legislation out there and do it now. Fix the problem. I think that the new consensus that we have is the master mechanic that will fix this problem with immigration."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"Americans are ready for a new immigration solution. Today, leaders who hold a Bible, wear a badge or own a business are taking the next step toward that solution. 2013 will be the dawn of a new day on immigrants and immigration."
Follow the conversation at #NewConsensus and @NewConsensus.
Leaders Announce Energized Efforts for Immigration Reform in 2013
December 04, 2012
Video and pictures of the press conference and National Strategy Session available at http://forgingconsensus.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A powerful bipartisan alliance of faith, law enforcement and business leaders from across the country announced today newly energized efforts to push for top-to-bottom immigration reform in early 2013. Leaders spoke at a press conference inaugurating the two-day National Strategy Session, a gathering of over 250 leaders from 26 states including Arizona, Florida and Kansas.
This gathering builds on two years of hard work outside Washington, including successful regional summits, state compacts and other efforts in the Mountain West, Southeast and Midwest at which hundreds of business, faith and law-enforcement leaders have built new relationships, discussed state policies and urged pragmatic federal solutions. Now, these conversations are turning into action. This critical new alliance is ready to drive the issue to the fore and apply pressure on Republicans and Democrats in Congress and on President Obama to ensure broad immigration reform is the first legislative priority in 2013.
The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers at the press conference:
The Honorable Mark Shurtleff (R), Attorney General, Utah:
"This great nation needs to relight the fire that burns with the promise of the Statue of Liberty, 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.' Reasonable and compassionate immigration reform will energize our country, enrich our economy and unite all of us with freedom and liberty."
Brad Bailey, Co-founder and CEO, Texas Immigration Solution:
"For over two decades, families and business owners have been forced to operate in an outdated national immigration system. Both sides of the aisle have kicked the can down the road, putting even more stress on families, business owners and communities. It is time for our congressional leaders to stop complaining about the problem and lead in providing efficient, pro-family, market-based solutions to our nation's broken immigration policy."
Sheldon Brown, Dairy Farmer and Owner, Woody Hill Farms, Salem, N.Y.:
"Our dairy farm business would not be as successful were it not for the dedicated, hard-working, family-oriented immigrant labor staff we have worked with over the past 15 years. Congress must act on immigration solutions that provide a stable, skilled and legal workforce for dairy farms and for America's businesses across the country."
The Rev. Luis Cortés Jr., President, Esperanza:
"I believe we have the will on both sides of the aisle to hammer out a solution to the immigration dilemma that has confounded our nation for over a decade. The entire Hispanic faith community has been joined by thousands of evangelicals of all ethnicities in prayer for God's guidance and wisdom for our elected officials."
Mark C. Curran Jr., Sheriff, Lake County, Ill.:
"Twenty-first century policing has to be about community policing. However, the fear and uncertainty attached to law enforcement as a result of our current immigration policies makes community policing almost impossible."
Natalie Gochnour, Executive Vice President of Policy and Communication and Chief Economist, Salt Lake Chamber:
"In Utah, the business community, interfaith leaders, law enforcement representatives and other community leaders and citizenry signed the Utah Compact in 2010, committing ourselves to a civil, constructive and compassionate immigration discussion. This principled approach resulted in groundbreaking state legislation that balanced the need for improved enforcement with the very real economic and humanitarian concerns associated with immigration in our state. We now turn our focus to the federal government and ask for equally groundbreaking federal legislation this coming year."
Dr. Richard Land, President, Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission:
"Fair and just immigration reform is first and foremost a moral issue. God has definite opinions about how we treat 'the stranger in our midst' (Lev. 19:33-34; Matt. 25:35). We must resolve our nation's immigration crisis and reform its immigration system in ways that respect the rule of law and the human dignity of the undocumented."
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference:
"Immigration reform is both a vertical and horizontal issue. Vertically, the heart of God stands moved by the plight of the immigrant and the suffering. Horizontally, passing immigration reform will serve as a reconciliatory prescription for a nation divided by partisan politics. At the end of the day, this issue is not about the agenda of the donkey or the elephant. Immigration reform is about the agenda of the Lamb."
The Most Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, Calif., United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
"Immigration is a humanitarian issue with moral implications. Our country can no longer accept the toil and sweat equity of undocumented workers while at the same time scapegoating them, dividing their families, and denying them basic protections. This is the moral issue our nation and our elected officials must confront in the months ahead."
Jim Wallis, President and CEO, Sojourners:
It's quite an accomplishment to get Bibles, Badges and Business together all in one room and agreeing on something this big. This reminds us all that Christmas really is a time for miracles. The country is hungry to see our political leaders work together and find a bipartisan solution to an issue of this magnitude. And I have faith that comprehensive immigration reform is that common ground."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"Eighteen months ago, faith, law enforcement and business leaders launched a campaign to forge a new consensus on immigrants and America. The consensus we discovered is steeped in the common values of family, work and security shared by conservatives and liberals alike. We found that Americans aren't divided by the immigration debate; rather, politicians on both sides of the aisle use the immigration debate to divide Americans. That is no longer acceptable. The President and Congress must work together in 2013 to create a 21st century immigration process."
Follow the conversation at #NewConsensus and @NewConsensus
Evangelical Leaders and the President Agree: Immigration Reform Is Top Priority
November 14, 2012
Washington, D.C — President Obama spoke about immigration reform during his news conference this afternoon. "My expectation is that we get a bill introduced and we begin the process in Congress very soon after my inauguration," Obama said. The following is a quote from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation:
"In the last 24 hours, influential evangelical voices have urged President Obama to show leadership and move immigration reform forward during the first 92 days of his second presidential term. Based on the president's statement today, it is increasingly clear that immigration reform should be the first bipartisan legislative priority in 2013."
Conservatives: GOP Needs New Direction on Immigration
November 08, 2012
Recording of today's media availability: http://tinyurl.com/GOPnewdirection
Washington, D.C — Today key leaders from the law enforcement, business and evangelical communities highlighted the new political landscape on immigration in the wake of the presidential election. As the GOP commences a period of soul-searching, top Republicans are reading the demographic writing on the wall and calling on their party to embrace a pragmatic approach on immigration or risk continuing to alienate the fastest-growing segment of the electorate: Latino voters.
A new, powerful bipartisan alliance from across the country is gearing up to exert the grassroots pressure necessary to get immigration reform past the finish line in 2013. The curtain raiser for this bipartisan push for reform will be a national convening in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 4 and 5. Faith, law enforcement and business leaders from across the political spectrum will come together to call on the president and the new Congress to make immigration reform a must-pass priority.
The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers:
The Honorable Mark Shurtleff (R), Attorney General, Utah:
"There is an opening door right now for Congress to take up bipartisan immigration reform. I call upon the John McCains and Orrin Hatches in the Senate, who were strong advocates of workable immigration policies, to lead the way on immigration reform and reject the extreme right-wing rhetoric that has hurt our party with Hispanic voters.
"The House of Representatives needs to commit on pragmatic, just and uniquely American comprehensive immigration reform. I am confident that our nation can move forward on immigration."
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference:
"The Republicans can begin to redeem the narrative with the Latino community by passing comprehensive immigration reform. GOP leaders in the House of Representatives have a historic opportunity to realign themselves with the values of Lincoln and Reagan. We encourage business, faith and law enforcement officials who respect the rule of law but also appreciate the opportunities embedded in the full engagement of this community to pressure Republican congressional leaders to pass immigration reform.
"The question arises: Is the Hispanic alienation by the GOP temporary or permanent? Going from 44 percent Hispanic support of the GOP ticket in 2004 to today's reality, can the Republicans afford not to pass immigration reform? It's the family values things to do. It's the moral thing to do. It's the evangelical and Christian thing to do. It's the right political thing to do."
Allie Devine, attorney and lobbyist for the Kansas Business Coalition:
"The Kansas business coalition continues to push for immigration reform and work authorization. Our economy needs for the federal government to address the immigration issue and to provide a stable workforce for America's businesses."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"To pass immigration reform in 2013 requires conservatives across the nation to encourage their members of Congress to be a part of a solution. As the base of the Republican Party, faith, law enforcement and business leaders will play an important role in this work. And, because of their work over the past two years to forge a new consensus on immigrants and America, these constituencies are ready."
• Recording of today's media conference: http://tinyurl.com/GOPnewdirection
• Forging a New Consensus: National Strategy Session on December 4 and 5: http://www.forgingconsensus.org
• Post-election quotes from conservatives discussing the need to work on immigration reform: http://www.immigrationforum.org/images/uploads/2012/Conservative_Post-Election_Imm_Quotes.pdf
A Defining Moment for Immigration Reform
November 07, 2012
Washington, D.C. — The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation.
"Today our nation witnessed the strength of democracy in action. An extraordinary number of voters, including record numbers of Latino, Asian and New American voters, went to the polls clamoring for practical solutions that honor our values and move our nation forward.
"The message was clear: President Obama must fulfill his campaign promise and work with congressional leaders to create a common-sense immigration process that treats all people with dignity. And Republicans must choose pragmatism over extremism on immigration, putting forward practical solutions that create a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans.
"In the words of CNN political analyst David Gergen earlier today, 'Whoever wins, we will get immigration reform. The Democrats want it and the Republicans need it.'
"President Obama can look to a growing alliance of conservative faith, business and law enforcement leaders who are laying the groundwork for bipartisan support on immigration reform.
"Look no further than Grover Norquist, a conservative power player, for a key example of the emerging consensus among conservatives and moderates on a common-sense approach on immigration. As Mr. Norquist recently stated, 'Immigration is the most important thing to focus on if you're concerned about America as an economic power. It's not only good policy to have more immigrants to the United States … [and] a path forward for those people who are here; it's also good politics.'
"Today's election marks the introduction of something different: a powerful bipartisan alliance that expects pragmatic immigration solutions from President Obama and the 113th Congress."
Norquist Makes Economic Case for Immigration Reform
October 12, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — On Friday, conservative activist Grover Norquist addressed more than 80 leaders from across the Midwest to discuss the need for common-sense immigration solutions. Mr. Norquist was the keynote speaker at the Midwest Summit: Forging a New Consensus on Immigrants and America, the first immigration summit in the Midwest to convene faith, law enforcement and business leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Workable immigration policies are vital to the region's future. The Midwest economy cannot prosper without a steady influx of new residents to offset the aging population and the net outmigration of the available workforce. That's why some areas in the Midwest are looking at immigration as an opportunity to ease population loss, revive farms and business and stimulate economic growth.
At a time of heightened polarization of the immigration issue and in the midst of a major election, leaders from the Midwest are leading the way on finding a political middle ground on immigration.
The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers at the Midwest Summit:
Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform:
"Immigration is the most important thing to focus if you're concerned about America as an economic power. Not only is it good policy to have dramatically more immigrants in the U.S. than we do today and a path for those who are here; it's also good politics. In fact, restrictionist policies are bad electoral policies."
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller:
"State governments are understandably frustrated with the failure of the federal government to perform its duty establishing immigration policy and enforcing existing immigration laws. Our hope is that a candid discussion of the impact on states and communities will help refocus attention on states' needs in terms of public safety, education and commerce as leaders reform U.S. immigration policies, consistent with our constitutional principles."
Leith Anderson, President, National Association of Evangelicals:
"There is a massive shift on immigration that is occurring within the evangelical churches in America. We discovered that when pastors of our churches teach what the bible says, people's attitudes change on immigration. If people read about what the Old Testament says on welcoming the stranger, people change their minds."
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, State of Utah:
"In Utah, law enforcement officers do not want to become ICE agents because they feel that is not their responsibility. Police officers are already busy doing their jobs and do not want an extra burden. As law enforcement officers, we believe that punitive immigration laws are actually harmful to public safety."
Angela Smith Jones, Director of Public Policy, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce:
"Immigrants create jobs, they boost American productivity and they help businesses stay competitive. In the Midwest, declining populations have reduced the number of available workers, creating a huge gap in the workforce. This is not even an immigrant issue. It's an American issue. "
Jim Partington, Executive Director, Nebraska Restaurant Association:
"Immigrants are the backbone of America's restaurants. A rational immigration policy is essential to our industry's continued growth. Immigrants not only make up a large portion of the restaurant industry's workforce, but they also make significant contributions as consumers in our nation's restaurants and as entrepreneurs, incorporating ethnic and cultural influences as they start up restaurants of their own."
Chief James Hawkins, Garden City Kansas:
"Our police department believes that everyone should be treated fairly and equitably regardless of their immigration status. We are committed to establish a positive relationship with our community or we will not be able to solve our community's issues. To undo 30 years of gaining the trust of immigrant populations would be disastrous for our police department."
Steve Tobocman, Director, Global Detroit:
"Immigrants create jobs. They don't take jobs, and that's particularly true in Michigan and in Detroit. Michigan is the only state that lost population in the last 10 years. A shrinking population means a poorer, weaker and less competitive Michigan. As we face a rapidly aging population, we really need the energy brought by immigrant workers. Immigration can be a successful strategy to reinvent the economy of the Midwest."
Sheriff Mark C. Curran, Jr., Lake County, Illinois:
"If you want to keep the larger community safe, you need to have a relationship with the immigrant community so they have the trust and confidence to report crimes. We don't need higher deportation levels; we need to fix the system as it exists."
Carl Ruby, Vice President for Student Life, Cedarville University:
"Cedarville University is a very conservative university, but our student body recognizes that immigration is a spiritual issue and a civil rights issue. We hosted the first G92 immigration conference in Ohio. It was a student-led initiative to talk about the importance of showing compassion to immigrants, whether they are documented or not. We found that the young generation of students is more open to immigration reform and more likely to advocate on behalf of immigrants."
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
"The winds of the immigration debate are changing. From the Midwest to the Southeast to the Mountain West, people who wear badges, run businesses and carry bibles are building a new consensus on immigrants and America."
Videos from today's Midwest Summit will be available soon at the Forging a New Consensus website: www.ForgingConsensus.org. You can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #MidwestSummit.
California Governor Vetoes "Anti-Arizona" Law
October 01, 2012
Washington, D.C. — On Sunday, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the "Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tools" Act, or TRUST Act (AB1081). This legislation limits local law enforcement implementation of the Secure Communities program by setting clear standards for local governments to comply with requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain people for deportation. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"Gov. Brown missed an opportunity to rein in Secure Communities, a program that has strayed far from its stated goal of identifying only the most dangerous criminals. As the state with the highest number of deportations under Secure Communities, California knows too well the damaging impact of this poorly-designed enforcement program.
"The TRUST Act would have helped California's law enforcement prioritize their valuable resources to focus on the true threats to public safety. Moreover, by enacting this "anti-Arizona" law, the Golden State would have sent a clear message that states can do better than Arizona – that they can still keep Secure Communities within its bounds.
"All may not be lost for the TRUST Act. In his veto message, Gov. Brown promised to work with lawmakers to rework the legislation. We hope that California lawmakers and Gov. Brown can soon find a way forward for this important public safety and government efficiency measure."
Visa Reforms in Congress Should Address Broad Range of New American Talent
September 20, 2012
Washington, D.C. — The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, on the recent proposals by Democrats and Republicans in Congress to provide green cards to graduates with advanced degrees in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
"It is good to see Republicans and Democrats recognize the value of immigrants and immigration to America. No one would dispute that our nation is built on the backs of farmworkers and the brains of engineers from around the world.
"An increase in the number of STEM visas serves one important part of our economy.
"But the fact is, we in America value work in all parts of the labor market, and our nation welcomes diverse immigrant populations. Legislation to increase STEM visas should not take from other legal immigration channels. After all, both parties support legal immigration.
"We hope House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith will work with his allies across the aisle to craft a bipartisan compromise on STEM legislation that serves America's ideals as a nation of immigrants, setting the standard for broader, common-sense reform in the months and years ahead."
No One to Harvest the Harvest
September 19, 2012
As Congress Considers Labor Shortage in Tech Industry, It Must Also Address Shortages in Agriculture
Washington, D.C. — September and the months ahead are the height of the harvest season. Yet many fruits and vegetables are simply rotting on the vine because farmers cannot find enough people to work the fields.
While the agriculture industry struggles with a labor shortage at this critical time, Congress and the Obama administration fail to act on workable solutions. This week, Congress is expected to consider immigration legislation to alleviate a labor shortage in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. But congressional leaders also should recognize the urgent need for workforce solutions across the economic spectrum.
"America's economy needs the skilled farmworker as much as it needs the skilled engineer. It is time Congress and the administration reach a bipartisan compromise on STEM visas, as well as legislation to make sure our nation's crops make it to our dinner tables. If Congress is unable to act, the administration must," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
Ralph Broetje, President of Broetje Orchards in Washington state, one of the largest privately owned orchards in the U.S., shed light on the crisis affecting farmers: "Despite the abundant harvest, asparagus growers had to leave 10 percent of their crop in the field this year due to lack of pickers. The skilled labor source that we depend on is rapidly disappearing. If Congress does not act soon, U.S. farms will move their operations to other countries that are more cost-effective and have an adequate labor supply. If you look at that apple juice label and see where it's coming from — it's already happening."
The situation in New York underscores the workforce challenges that farmers face across the country. Lawmakers in New York, including Democratic Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, are taking steps to capitalize on the Greek yogurt boom and turn New York into the nation's yogurt capital. But as one hand of government is seeking to spur economic growth in New York's dairy farms, the other hand is undermining the effort. "The Department of Homeland Security has been doing the job it was hired to do. By aggressively conducting I-9 audits, they are taking away our experienced and skilled workforce," said Maureen Torrey, Vice President of Marketing, Torrey Farms Inc., a 12th generation family farm in western New York. "The economic impact of downsizing production is loss of wages and loss of jobs, thus taking money out of the local economy," she added.
State-based tough immigration measures are also leaving farmers without workers. Nan Stockholm Walden, J.D., Vice President and Counsel of the Arizona-based Farmers Investment Co., the largest grower and processor of pecans in the world, spoke about the business struggles in the wake of her state's S.B. 1070 law. "Arizona's immigration law has created a climate of fear. Our experienced workers are leaving our state and are moving to other states that don't have these ambiguous clouds and legal sanctions hanging over the employers' and employees' heads. There's never been a greater need for federal action on immigration reform. If we want to be in charge of our food security and our economy, we need to support immigration reform for agriculture."
The North Carolina economy draws more than $70 billion — about 20 percent of the state's income — from agriculture. Yet despite the essential role of agriculture in the Tar Heel State, Congress is not recognizing the urgency of addressing farm labor shortages. Larry Wooten, President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, explains, "Our political leaders are not looking at this issue from a jobs standpoint and the impact on our economy. Both parties lack political backbone to look at this issue and stand up and say we've got to fix it."
"Right now, all across America, there's a flurry of activity on farms. And there's a flurry of activity in Congress to provide STEM visas," said Craig J. Regelbrugge, Co-Chair of the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform. "At the end of the day, we don't just need STEM, we need STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math." He added, "The safety of our food supply should not be a red or blue issue. Pro-business Republicans should be doing everything in their power to prevent U.S. farms from closing. And while we wait for bipartisan legislative action on this issue, the administration should use the tools at hand to prioritize immigration enforcement resources and safeguard our food supply. Both parties need to put politics aside and help us develop a 21st century solution for the farming industry."
Road Clears for Heart of Arizona's Immigration Law — for Now
September 06, 2012
Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, district court Judge Susan R. Bolton paved the way for section 2(B) of Arizona's immigration law to take effect. Section 2(B) will require law enforcement officers to determine the immigration status of those they "reasonably suspect" are not legally in the country. The following is a statement by Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., senior pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix and Board Chair of the National Immigration Forum:
"The district court's "wait-and-see" ruling on Arizona's immigration law will undermine the basic rights of our state's native-born residents, as well as Latinos and new Americans. Arizonans deserve better.
"How can law enforcement know someone's immigration status simply by looking at them? Discrimination — based on skin color, language and ethnicity — is inevitable under this law. A similar provision has been in effect since last year in Alabama, where it has divided communities, generated an atmosphere of suspicion and damaged the state's reputation. As Arizona implements this law in coming weeks, our communities will struggle to overcome similar strain.
"However, yesterday's ruling is unlikely to close the book on this misguided law. Judge Bolton, like the U.S. Supreme Court before her, strongly indicated that if S.B. 1070 is applied in a discriminatory manner, the court will re-examine its constitutionality. Because of the racial profiling that is inherent in section 2(B), we expect to see additional challenges to the law in the future.
"This is a watershed moment for states and for the federal government to choose where we want to go as a nation. We can follow Arizona's footsteps to a path of confusing and discriminatory immigration laws, or we can work together as one nation and fight for practical immigration policies that reflect our commitment to the values of equality and fair treatment that defines us as Americans."
Homeland Security Launches Administrative Relief for DREAMers
August 14, 2012
Government to Accept 'Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals' Applications Starting Wednesday
Washington, D.C. — Application forms came online today for young people who wish to request deferred action. A grant of deferred action would, for two years, suspend deportation proceedings for young people who came to this country as children and provide them the opportunity to work legally in the United States. Those interested in applying must fill out three application forms: one for deferred action and two related to employment authorization. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept forms beginning tomorrow, August 15. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
"We celebrate the beginning of the Obama administration's initiative to allow many young aspiring citizens to remain in our country and contribute to our society by putting their diplomas to work or continuing their educations. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals will allow many hardworking, American-raised young people to take a significant step toward realizing their dreams.
"Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a good example of smart prioritization of government resources. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews requests for deferred action, Homeland Security agencies that deal with immigration enforcement can focus on real public safety threats rather than law-abiding students.
"As we begin to realize the benefits of this temporary measure, we must continue to press for Congress to transcend partisanship and come together behind a permanent immigration process that recognizes the value of all who pledge allegiance to our country."
To read the USCIS guidelines on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, including guidelines and frequently asked questions, visit http://www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals.
Homeland Security Announces Strong Guidance on Administrative Relief for DREAMers
August 03, 2012
Washington, D.C. — On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released information about the process to request deferred action. A grant of deferred action would freeze deportation proceedings of DREAM Act–eligible youth and give them an opportunity to work legally in the U.S. — at least temporarily. Information released today clarifies details about fees, forms, processing of requests, how collected information will be used for enforcement, and disqualifying factors. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
"We welcome today's guidance on this powerful initiative that will bring many aspiring young immigrants a step closer to realizing their dreams. Thanks to deferred action, these American-raised, hardworking young immigrants will finally have a chance to put their diplomas to work.
"The Obama administration made a smart law enforcement decision to prioritize the deportation of real public safety threats instead of going after our next generation of nurses and engineers. Homeland Security enforcement resources should be targeted at enemies of our country, not law-abiding students.
"Today's announcement, which provides further information about the process, is a welcome one. The process must be clear, fair, uniform, accessible and affordable to ensure that all deserving youth that qualify benefit from this historic program.
"We are heartened by DHS's inclusion of confidentiality protections in the deferred action process. This will help quell concerns among eligible DREAMers that their request for deferred action might put their undocumented parents or siblings at risk of deportation. Today's announcement also shows that DHS is on guard against scammers looking to prey on desperation in immigrant communities.
"We look forward to effective implementation of this initiative and the economic and community benefits it will deliver. This temporary effort should inspire bipartisan congressional action to create a workable immigration process that allows these promising aspiring citizens to stay permanently in the only country they call home, and to have a fair shot at the American dream."
Indiana Attorney General Calls Parts of State's Immigration Law Unconstitutional
July 31, 2012
Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced that following review of the Supreme Court decision on Arizona's immigration law, he will no longer defend portions of Indiana's immigration law, SEA 590, in court. Attorney General Zoeller recognized that parts of Indiana's legislation that are comparable to Arizona's S.B. 1070 law, including provisions giving local police unprecedented power to make warrantless arrests based on assumed immigration status, are pre-empted by federal law. Another portion of the law, regarding state recognition of consular identification cards, will remain the subject of litigation. Legal challenges to SEA 590's provisions regarding employer sanctions and day laborers also continue. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
"We applaud Attorney General Zoeller for recognizing that the writing is on the wall for critical portions of Indiana's immigration law. The Supreme Court clearly blocked state immigration laws that interfere with the federal government's immigration-enforcement authority. Other states inspired by Arizona also would be wise to slam the brakes on their unconstitutional legislation.
"The Indiana legislature need not look far for a common-sense approach on immigration. Last year, Attorney General Zoeller, a Republican, joined a bipartisan group of business, law enforcement, and religious leaders and advocates in signing the Indiana Compact, a set of principles to guide the immigration debate in Indiana, declaring that immigration enforcement should be handled at the federal level, not the state level.
"The Indiana Compact opened space for a reasonable debate on immigration in a solutions-oriented way. For the sake of all Hoosiers, Indiana legislators should follow the principles of the Indiana Compact and urge their federal delegation to move forward toward national solutions that create a workable immigration process."