Blog & Updates

Legislative Update for September 18, 2009

September 18, 2009 - Posted by Maurice Belanger

Gutierrez signals intent to introduce reform legislation: At a gathering of advocates in Washington for the Unity in Motion Citizenship Day activities coordinated by the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and the Center for Community Change/Fair Immigration Reform Movement (CCC/FIRM), Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) announced his intention to introduce a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House.  At the rally, the Congressman said that, while bipartisanship has its place, there must be a bill that says what advocates want in an immigration reform bill—a progressive bill that incorporates the DREAM Act, reunites families, and includes a generous legalization program.  Enforcement must be accomplished in a fair way that respects the rights and dignity of people.  Rep. Gutierrez pledged to introduce “principles” by October 13.

The Forum’s statement about this development can be obtained here.

Hearings:  On September 15, the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law held a hearing, "Human Rights at Home: Mental Illness in U.S. Prisons and Jails."  You can obtain testimony, statements of Subcommittee members, and a video recording of the hearing on this page of the Judiciary Committee’s Web site.

The House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Terrorism held a hearing, "The Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Three Years Later."  You can obtain testimony and see a recording of the hearing on this page of the Homeland Security Committee’s Web site.