National Immigration Forum - Press Releases

Judiciary Committee Sends Broad Immigration Reform to Full Senate

2013-05-21T23:23:38+00:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a bipartisan vote today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 to send S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, on to the full Senate.

Senators on the Judiciary Committee submitted about 300 amendments, of which more than 100 were approved. Most represent good-faith efforts to improve the bill and to make government more accountable for its effective implementation. The vast majority of amendments that passed did so with bipartisan support.

Debate on the Senate floor is likely to begin in early to mid June. Just as the bill heads to the floor, leaders from the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform network are coming to Washington June 12 to hold meetings with congressional leaders and show their renewed support for broad, bipartisan reform.

The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:

“Today’s vote represents a major step toward a new immigration process. The bill soon headed for the Senate floor is exactly what America needs. It honors the aspiring Americans who will strengthen our communities and our economy for generations to come. It also honors our history as a nation of laws.

“Americans across the political spectrum recognize that we need commonsense reform. And they support political leaders who show the courage to transcend partisanship, reach across the aisle and develop long-term, broad solutions. That’s what we need to replace our broken immigration system.

“The full Senate must carry this momentum forward and pass a bill that keeps the best interests of our nation in mind. The House also must follow the lead of American voters, Republican and Democrat alike, and pursue wide-ranging reform that respects human dignity and provides for secure borders, safer communities, a stronger economy and a roadmap to citizenship for hardworking American immigrants.

“Much work lies ahead. But today’s bipartisan vote shows the great strides we are making toward an immigration process that works for all Americans.”

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Bipartisan House Group Agress in Principle on Immigration Reform

2013-05-17T18:34:51+00:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers announced that they have reached an agreement in principle on immigration reform that includes a roadmap to citizenship. The announcement came a day after members of the group had suggested Thursday was a make-or-break moment for agreement.

The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:

“The announcement by the House represents major progress and gives immigration reform remarkable momentum. Much work lies ahead in both houses of Congress, but the diverse House group’s willingness to come together is a strong sign of just how far we have come.

“Americans are ready for Congress to show its resolve and continue debating immigration reform in the bipartisan spirit that has prevailed so far. As the debate over the bill in the Senate continues to progress, the House group’s announcement marks an exciting step forward.

“We await the details of the House agreement and bill. The legislation needs a clear and fair road to citizenship, and it must recognize the importance of immigration to our economy, our families and our communities.

“The tide has turned. Political leaders in both houses and both parties are recognizing that we need broad immigration reform this year. They must continue to work together until reform is reality.”

Innovative Citizenship Initiative Launches in Los Angeles

2013-05-14T13:15:49+00:00

Innovative Citizenship Initiative Launches in Los Angeles.
Employees Attend Free Citizenship Workshop at American Apparel

LOS ANGELES — Today, the National Immigration Forum joined American Apparel employees to launch The Bethlehem Project in Los Angeles. Through this innovative citizenship initiative, businesses partner with local immigrant-service organizations such as NALEO, APALC, CARECEN and Catholic Charities to offer their immigrant employees onsite services such as English classes, civics instruction and legal assistance for citizenship applications.

Across the country, it’s business that is increasingly leading the charge to help new Americans integrate. Following the launch of the Bethlehem Project in Miami in April, American Apparel becomes the first Los Angeles–area business taking a leadership role by investing in its immigrant workforce — in a city where nearly 1.6 million people are eligible for citizenship.

“In the end, the most important parties involved — our employees — left well-informed and seemingly energized to make the step toward a better life for them and their families,” said Marty Bailey, President of Manufacturing at American Apparel.

The Bethlehem Project is designed to meet the needs of employees and the businesses they work for. Hardworking immigrants gain essential skills on the worksite that will increase their earning potential and allow them to fully engage as citizens in their new homeland, and businesses will benefit from increased loyalty and better-trained workers.

“The L.A. Area Chamber applauds the efforts American Apparel is putting forth, in conjunction with the National Immigration Forum’s Bethlehem Project, to help eligible immigrant workers pursue citizenship,” said Gary Toebben, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is a model that should be replicated nationwide. Encouraging citizenship will improve economic prosperity for all stakeholders involved.”

“The Bethlehem Project is a unique opportunity for employers to support their workers in their journey to becoming American citizens,” added Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “From Miami to Los Angeles and beyond, we’re hearing from business leaders and employees who view this service as good for the bottom line and great for employee morale.”

Senate Moves Toward Substance in Immigration Reform Debate

2013-05-09T12:43:35+00:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate Judiciary Committee holds a markup this morning of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, Congress takes another important step forward as it considers broad, commonsense immigration reform. With about 300 amendments introduced this week, senators are clearly prioritizing a new immigration process as they navigate the debate and move forward in bipartisan fashion.

The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:

“As senators take up the debate, they must remain focused on the end goal: broad, bipartisan reform. We need a new immigration process that reunites families, recognizes the importance of immigration to our economy and our communities, and includes a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring Americans. Our country will realize its full potential only when Congress has passed a bill that creates this process.

“It’s great to see the legislation moving. This is concrete progress. As the Judiciary Committee considers the wide range of amendments, the spirit of compromise and cooperation that has brought us this far must be senators’ guiding light. Congress must continue a rational debate in the same bipartisan fashion that has given reform so much momentum.”

Paul Singer Makes Significant Contribution to the National Immigration Forum Action Fund

2013-04-29T18:26:00+00:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Senate introduction of bipartisan immigration reform legislation, the National Immigration Forum Action Fund received a strong show of support from hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer to continue the bipartisan effort for common sense immigration solutions.

Mr. Singer is the founder and CEO of Elliott Management, and is providing a six-figure contribution to the National Immigration Forum Action Fund’s “Bibles, Badges and Business” project to encourage Republicans and Democrats to support immigration reform that strengthens our nation’s competitiveness and helps us attract the world’s best talent and hard workers.

The passionate level of involvement and cooperation from both Republicans and Democrats on immigration reform sends a resounding message that this immigration battle is different than that of decades past. Rather than fall back into the stagnation and polarization that plagues so many of today’s political disagreements, immigration reform has produced robust coalitions and unlikely collaborations. This donation by Paul Singer is one of many signs from business leaders that American businesses are not sitting on the sidelines for this immigration reform battle.

The bipartisan Senate bill is a strong start. It includes the core elements necessary for reform like commonsense fixes to our legal immigration system that ensures our competitiveness and creates a tough but fair road to citizenship for contributing immigrants already in the country.

Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum Action Fund expresses the importance of Mr. Singer’s contribution: “We are grateful for the leadership and support of Paul Singer at this critical juncture. Across the country, those who read a Bible, wear a badge or own a business demand Congress build a common sense immigration system. Introduction of bipartisan legislation is only the first step. In the months of debate ahead, we know the opposition is prepared to spend millions of dollars to try and defeat immigration reform yet again. But, this time it is different. Not only are faith, law enforcement and business leaders working together. But, civic leaders like Mr. Singer are investing their hard earned resources in the path to victory.”

Representatives Gutierrez and Carter Talk to San Antonio Residents about Immigration Reform

2013-04-29T15:30:28+00:00

On Monday, April 29, lawmakers gave San Antonio a front row seat to the latest developments on immigration reform

As the Senate moves forward on immigration reform, two members of the House of Representatives group that has been negotiating behind the scenes to develop a compromise immigration reform bill will sat down with San Antonio residents to share some of the latest developments on immigration reform and discussed the path forward for the bill.

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.) in San Antonio for “Left. Right, Forward,” an in-depth conversation on immigration reform.

Congressmen Gutierrez and Carter will engaged with San Antonians in a unique and open discussion on the path forward for immigration reform and the national immigration debate.

The event was livestreamed. Watch a video recording below:

“Left. Right. Forward.” Event Sets Tone for National Conversation on Immigration

2013-04-29T11:49:25+00:00

Leaders of the bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives on immigration reform make the case for comprehensive and sensible changes to immigration law.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – In a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Texas Tribune Editor Evan Smith, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.) argued for a bipartisan, comprehensive solution to immigration and border issues. A growing consensus among members of the faith, law enforcement and business communities makes that solution attainable even in a highly polarized political environment.

“Today in San Antonio, Representatives Carter and Gutierrez showed us exactly why the time is now for immigration reform. They came together to talk with San Antonians about the urgency and need for both parties to continue working together on comprehensive and bipartisan reform,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans getting everything they want on immigration – it’s about the left working with the right, and the right working with the left to move us forward on immigration reform.”

“Part of the conversation that Congressman Carter and I are having here today with you is an educational experience, not only for us, but for the rest of the American people,” said Congressman Gutierrez. “If they can hear a Republican and a Democrat speak in sensible terms, then I think that goes all the way down to the local police officer or constable who are also going to change their minds.”

“If the far left and the far right, which is quite honestly what our group is made up of, can come to a compromise, then it ought to be easy for the rest of the Congress to come to a compromise,” noted Congressman Carter. “We’re as far apart politically as you can get, but we’re very close right now because of this project we’re working on. We’re very proud of the product we’re moving forward.”

Both congressmen observed that national security is enhanced and the U.S. economy is invigorated by enacting rational immigration policies that allow law enforcement and border security agencies to focus on legitimate threats while allowing needed laborers and entrepreneurs to enter the U.S. workforce.

“For residents of San Antonio and South Texas who know border issues better than anyone else, the bipartisan effort led by Congressmen Gutierrez and Carter is a breath of fresh air,” said Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President, IBC Bank and board member of the National Immigration Forum. “Their work is vitally important for our economic and national security. More Americans need to hear them and support their effort to create sane and humane immigration laws.”

Legislative Process Kicks Off in the Senate

2013-04-26T11:35:17+00:00

The Senate's Comprehensive Approach Presents the only Viable Path for Success

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday’s start of the mark-up session in the Senate Judiciary Committee represents an important step forward toward a commonsense and fully comprehensive immigration reform bill. Congress has been discussing this issue for the last 10 years, and all other piecemeal attempts at immigration reform have failed. But changing public opinion on immigration reform reinforces the notion that the time is now for reform – and the Senate’s balanced approach is the way forward.

S744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act is the most extensive and wide-reaching plan for truly reforming the nation’s antiquated and unrealistic immigration system since the Reagan administration’s 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. It comes as a result of years of debate and an unprecedented momentum and energy from the public and affected industries like labor, technology, agriculture, faith communities, and law enforcement.

“We’re excited to see the Senate’s Gang of Eight Bill moving full speed ahead. We’ve already had three marathon hearings – and we expect much more deliberation as mark-up picks up,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “As we begin to move forward with the process, we can’t lose sight of the goal. The Senate’s approach to one, delicately balanced bill is the only plausible way to get across the finish line on this much needed reform. Efforts to break down the bill into separate legislative pieces will fall well short of what Republican voters seek: a complete overhaul.”

Over 100 Current and Former Attorneys General Send Letters to Congressional Leadership Urging Action

2013-04-24T13:34:23+00:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, 36 current state attorneys general and 76 former state attorneys general signed and delivered letters to House and Senate Leadership outlining their positions on immigration reform and pushing both Chambers to move quickly to solve this issue. The signatories represent the consensus among this group of national and bipartisan law enforcement leaders for immigration reform that secures our border, keeps families together, sensibly deals with those already in our country and improves public safety at the local level.

“With these two letters, the nation’s attorneys general signal the need for broad immigration reform that corrects the many harms caused by the current immigration system,” said former Attorney General Mark Shurtleff (R-Utah). “From improving border security to rebuilding trust between undocumented immigrants and their local law enforcement officers, the time is now to address these problems."

“The message sent by these leaders who have dedicated their lives to keep our communities safe represents the far reaching momentum that exists for commonsense immigration reform,” added Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “With the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, Congress has an opportunity to apply their recommendations and make America safer.”

Miami’s Business Community Launches Innovative Citizenship Initiative

2013-04-23T17:42:33+00:00

The InterContinental Miami, the Betsy Hotel and Miami-Dade College Participate in National Immigration Forum's Bethlehem Project

MIAMI, FL. —Today, the National Immigration Forum inaugurated Miami as the official launch city for “The Bethlehem Project”. Through this innovative citizenship promotion initiative, businesses partner with immigrant-service organizations like the International Rescue Committee to offer their immigrant employees on-site services such as English classes, civic instruction and legal assistance for citizenship applications.

The business community is increasingly leading the effort to integrate our nation’s aspiring citizens. Miami companies like InterContinental Hotel--Miami, The Betsy Hotel--South Beach and Miami-Dade College are taking their leadership to a new level by recognizing the value of investing in their immigrant workforce and promoting citizenship and integration in the workplace. While many opportunities exist for English learning, civics instruction and naturalization assistance at different sites like churches, community colleges and immigrant service organizations, virtually nobody integrates all three needs in one site like the workplace.

Immigrant employees praised the project because it adds the invaluable convenience of accessing citizenship assistance at their place of work.

“Becoming a U.S. citizen is a very important step to me because I feel that this country is my home,” said Ráquel Araujo-Escobar, an employee at InterContinental Miami. “Having my employer support me in this important step by providing citizenship assistance at my place of work is a true blessing."

Similarly, business leaders stressed the Bethlehem Project’s practicality and benefits to employees and companies alike.

“This program is easy to handle and coordinate. The Bethlehem Project supported us through the different stages of the program and provided flyers and easy-to-understand information that we could share with our staff in multiple languages,” said Nilmarie Almovodar, Human Resources Director at The Betsy - South Beach.

“With this partnership we are demonstrating to our employees that we care and support their best interests, and that we care for our community,” added Leonie Timothee of the Human Resources Department at The InterContinental Miami.

The city of Miami is a symbol of the convergence between business and immigration. Noted worldwide as an entrepreneurial city, Miami also boasts a significant immigrant population – with over 60% of its residents hailing from other parts of the world.

“In Miami-County we have over 520,000 individuals who are legal permanent residents who have not yet become citizens,” said Eduardo Padrón, President at Miami-Dade College. “Becoming a citizen not only provides you with greater responsibility for civic engagement and voting, but it also helps you and the companies involved to get a better return on your investment.”

The Bethlehem Project is designed to meet the needs of employees and the businesses they work for – on the one hand, hard-working immigrants achieve essential skills such as English language training that will increase their earning potential and allow them to fully engage as citizens in their new homeland. On the other hand, businesses will benefit from increased productivity from better trained workers.

“The Miami business community, many of whom are immigrants themselves, has long understood the importance of nurturing the innovation, energy and spirit of the immigrant community to build a more prosperous Miami,” noted Manny Díaz, Mayor of the City of Miami. “Today, we make another plea to our business community. Work with us as we try to bring these half-a-million citizen eligible residents in our community to become an even greater part of the American mainstream.”

“For hard-working immigrants in Miami, this assistance will mean the ability to realize the American Dream; for our partner businesses, this program will pay off in increased effectiveness and opportunities for advancement of their employees,” added Ali Noorani, Executive Director at the National Immigration Forum.

For more information and to join this groundbreaking initiative, please visit: www.joinbethlehemproject.org