Obstructionists Derail

Immigration Reform

for Now

Washington DC - Today, a procedural vote in the Senate that would have allowed immigration reform to move forward, was defeated.  The following is a statement by Clarissa Martinez, Campaign Manager for the Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

“Tonight, the United States Senate let America down.  The world's most deliberative body stumbled badly in neglecting its duty to secure our borders, strengthen our economy and uphold the values of faith and family that are the cornerstone of our democracy.

There were many heroes in this debate and we thank the hard work of the Senators who worked honestly to pass a bill to fulfill what the American people want:  comprehensive immigration reform.  And there were far too many members of the Senate who fell short of their promise.

Though deeply disappointed, we stand up for the dignity of the hardworking men, women and children who live in even greater fear tonight than they did this morning as a result of the inaction by the Senate.  We stand with the vast majority of Americans who demand a workable solution to this issue and who understand that our lives and our values are deeply intertwined with the condition and fate of immigrants.  We will continue to fight for workable legislation that respects workers and families, better than the legislation that failed to move forward tonight.

We have hope that the Senate will find its true voice and take up this issue, and the House will not shy away from the challenge – because neither the issue, nor the 12 million people living in the shadows, are going away.”

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The Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CCIR) is a campaign powered by the strategic, coordinated activities of immigrant advocacy, civil rights, faith-based and labor organizations across the United States and Capitol Hill.  Our central purpose is to achieve passage of workable comprehensive immigration reform legislation that serves our nation.