Issue: Events across the country and here in Seattle — including both high profile immigration raids and thousands taking to the streets marching for immigrant rights — are making the need for comprehensive immigration reform more visible every day. Some groups working on this issue are reporting that members of Congress are hearing 100 to 1 against comprehensive reform. Members of Congress need to hear from constituents who support fair, just, comprehensive reform that values rather than breaks apart families, provides a legal path to citizenship, and addresses the underlying causes of migration

Background: The Coalition for Comprehensive Reform has outlined the following principles that should be part of any legislation:

Reform Must Be Comprehensive and deal with undocumented immigrants working and living in the United States; the future flow of workers and close family members; the need for tailored, targeted, effective enforcement of more realistic policies; support for the successful integration of newcomers in the communities where they settle; and protection of fundamental civil and human rights in the immigration process.

Provide a Path to Citizenship: Opportunities should be provided for undocumented immigrants to receive work permits and travel permission and access educational opportunities once they undergo background and security checks.

Protect Workers: To avoid the exploitation and abuses of flawed guest worker programs, the nation needs a “break-the-mold” worker visa program that adequately protects the wages and working conditions of U.S. and immigrant workers.

Reunite Families: Immigration reform will not succeed if public policy does not recognize one of the main factors driving migration as well as one of America’s most cherished values: family unity. Those waiting in line should have their admission expedited, and those admitted on work visas should be able to keep their families intact.

Restore the Rule of Law and Enhance Security: Enforcement only works when the law is realistic and enforceable. This can best be achieved by a comprehensive overhaul that combines reform with effective enforcement. Such a system will better enable the nation to know who is already here and who is coming in the future, and bring our system into line with our tradition as a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws.

Promote Citizenship and Civic Participation and Help Local Communities: Immigration to America works because newcomers are encouraged to become new Americans. It is time to renew our nation’s commitment to the full integration of newcomers by providing adult immigrants with quality English instruction, promoting and preparing them for citizenship, and providing them with opportunities to move up the economic ladder.

Protect and Advance Civil and Human Rights: We need immigration reform that restores basic civil liberties and human rights, protects our core American values of fairness and justice, and defends the due process rights of everyone.

Action: Contact your U.S. Senators and tell them that comprehensive immigration reform is the solution to fixing our broken immigration system, and now is the time to act. Families, workers, and communities across the country are counting on Congress to get it done, get it right, and do it now. Call toll free 1-800-417-7666 and follow the instructions to connect with your Senators’ offices.