Advocates Join Senators to

Advance Workable

Immigration Reform

Urge Senate to pass amendments to improve bill

June 5, 2007                                                    

Washington, DC – In an indication of the growing momentum behind comprehensive immigration reform, the Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CCIR) joined with Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), the National Immigration Forum, National Council of La Raza, and UNITE HERE to welcome the Senate back for a second week of debate on immigration reform and encourage them to forge ahead to achieve workable comprehensive immigration reform. The groups see the debate as a historic opportunity to work in a bi-partisan fashion to achieve the type of system America needs – one that rewards work while protecting workers, honoring families, restoring the rule of law, and strengthening our economy.

“The polls have shown that a majority of the country supports comprehensive immigration reform and is ready for a solution to the broken immigration system,” said Clarissa Martinez, Campaign Manager for the Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. “The grassroots efforts over the last several months give us tremendous confidence that the American people are focused on solving problems, not playing politics. We joined with these Senators today because even though we believe work remains to be done, they have taken a courageous step forward to exercise leadership on one of the most pressing issues facing the nation. For the American public, failure is not an option, they are eager for Congress to deal with this issue now, and get it done right.”

There has been a growing grassroots effort to urge members to pass workable reform that upholds American values. In just the last week there have been 171 activities in 21 states and Washington, DC.  Since the beginning of the campaign in March, the coalition has hosted 771 field activities targeting members of Congress in 37 states.  The groups have been engaged in a range of grassroots activities including rallies, vigils, lobby meetings, letters, postcards, phone calls, opinion editorials, letters to the editor and canvassing, urging Members to continue to move the debate forward.

“We look forward to working constructively with members of both parties to improve the bill this week, so that what emerges as the final product is legislation that truly serves the American people and the ideals of our nation,” concluded Martinez.
           
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The Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CCIR) is a campaign powered by the strategic, coordinated activities of immigrant advocacy, grassroots, religious and labor organizations across the United States and on Capitol Hill.  Our central purpose is to achieve passage of workable comprehensive immigration reform legislation that serves our nation.