Issue: Last Thursday, the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill (S. 1348) died after supporters only secured 50 of the 60 votes needed to end debate and take a final vote. (Called invoking cloture, this is a procedural tool to stop a filibuster.) Comprehensive immigration reform isn’t necessarily dead however. Senators can—and should—take the issue up again. Immigrants who are counting on reform can’t wait any longer.

Background: This legislation wasn’t perfect, but for many undocumented immigrants, it represented the best chance for fixing a broken system. (See Seattle Times, “Immigration bill a glimmer of hope amid fear for local immigrants,” June 6, 2007.) This legislation had support among both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as the President, and stood a real chance of passing. Its failure last week shouldn’t end the important momentum that was developed.

As important as this legislation is, there are some changes necessary to make it fairer for immigrant families. Hate Free Zone and other local groups working directly with immigrants called for changes to the legislation which still apply, if the Senate takes up the legislation again:

Maintain the current family-based immigration system and reject a point-based system. Under the most recent proposal, a doctor from France who speaks fluent English, but has no ties to the United States, would be given preference over an adult child of a U.S. citizen. Parents of U.S. citizens would not be able to join their children. Low-skilled, non-English speaking immigrants who are vital contributors to our economy and have family members in the United States would be penalized.

Reject the creation of an underclass of “temporary workers” that has few worker protections and must return home after two years. This is neither workable nor just. This proposal denies the ability to fully participate in our society to needed workers who contribute to our economy and society. Viewing immigrants as mere economic units rather than as human beings will lead to still greater exploitation of those workers.

Restore due process protections, including establishing judicial review and judicial discretion. America is a country that believes in fairness, in a person’s right to their day in court, and to the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. Title II (enforcement provisions) in last year’s Senate compromise bill was unacceptable and the most recent Title II changes continue to strip away due process rights. Americans want to know that the systems are fair and allow people to be heard and seek justice.

Action: Contact U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell with the following message:

Thank you for voting yes to invoke cloture and call a vote for comprehensive immigration reform last week. It’s disappointing that this vote failed, but I hope that doesn’t mean the issue is dead for this year. Too many families are counting on passage of comprehensive immigration reform this year. Please take up this issue again immediately, and please make the changes recommended by Hate Free Zone and others to make the legislation more just and workable for immigrant families.

Sen. Patty Murray

(206) 553-5545

www.murray.senate.gov

Sen. Maria Cantwell

(206) 220-6400

www.cantwell.senate.gov