Rep. Gutierrez to Introduce Comprehensive Immigration Reform
By Kevin Robinson in News on Dec 15, 2009 3:20PM
U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez (4th District) announced in a press release that, along with at least 22 other members of Congress, he will introduce the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP) today. Gutierrez said in his press release:
"We have waited patiently for a workable solution to our immigration crisis to be taken up by this Congress and our President. The time for waiting is over. This bill will be presented before Congress recesses for the holidays so that there is no excuse for inaction in the New Year. It is the product of months of collaboration with civil rights advocates, labor organizations, and members of Congress. It is an answer to too many years of pain —mothers separated from their children, workers exploited and undermined security at the border— all caused at the hands of a broken immigration system. This bill says 'enough,' and presents a solution to our broken system that we as a nation of immigrants can be proud of."
While a full text of the proposed legislation doesn't seem to be available for review, in October, Gutierrez outlined ten "core principals" that will make up the most essential parts of the bill:
- Pathway to legalization for undocumented workers;
- Professional and effective border enforcement;
- Smart and humane interior enforcement;
- Protecting workers;
- Verification systems;
- Family unity as a cornerstone of our immigration system;
- Future flows of workers;
- AgJOBS;
- DREAM Act;
- Promoting immigrant integration;
It's unlikely that Gutierrez's bill will find much traction, if any, in Congress, either this year or next. In fact, New York Senator Chuck Schumer is working on an immigration reform bill of his own. But the symbolic power of pulling together the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus to push the issue isn't lost - the liberals in Obama's base want to see action on what they feel is a critical issue. Regardless, the fighting over immigration reform will likely make the health care fight look like Woodstock. Anti-immigration activists are already prepared to fight back against any legislation that stops short of deportation.