Justice for Immigrants
Tuesday February 27, 2007, Pensacola
ACTION ALERT
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS/REPRESENTATIVES ON BEHALF OF COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
Background
The 110th Congress will soon consider comprehensive immigration reform legislation. It is expected that the U.S. Senate will consider legislation in late March/early April, with the U.S. House of Representatives taking up a bill during the summer months. During February and March, it will be important to communicate with legislators about is what elements are required in a comprehensive immigration bill.
Catholic Position
The U.S. Catholic bishops have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. immigration system which would include the following elements: # An earned legalization program for undocumented immigrants, regardless of nationality, which includes a path to citizenship;
- A future worker program (i.e. “temporary” worker program) which includes protections for both U.S. and foreign-born workers with an option for a path to citizenship;
- family-based immigration reform which reduces family backlogs and waiting times for family reunification;
- the restoration of due process protections for immigrants; and
- policies which address the root causes of migration. Any just and humane immigration bill should contain these basic elements.
Specifically, any legalization program must be workable (easily administered) and achievable (with requirements that are not onerous) and should not divide the undocumented population into groups. Any future worker program must contain worker protections, adequate wages, and a path to citizenship for participants.
Action
Contact your Senator and Representative as soon as possible with the message that comprehensive immigration reform must be enacted this year with the elements supported by the U.S. bishops. Attached you will find a sample letter as well as talking points which can be used to contact offices.
Please take action at http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/action.html