Press Release

At Urging of Advocacy Groups, Rep. Gutierrez Agrees to Introduce Comprehensive Immigration Legislation

September 17, 2009

Media Contact: Rebecca Dreilinger (202) 225-8203
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Washington D.C.) Today, at rally in Washington DC, advocacy groups from across the country called upon Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) to present a progressive, comprehensive immigration bill. Rep Gutierrez agreed that he will outline the fundamental principles of such legislation by October 13 and introduce a comprehensive bill soon thereafter.

 

In a statement, Rep. Gutierrez said:

 

"I am overwhelmed by the support of immigrant, faith-based and community-based organizations in urging me to introduce comprehensive immigration legislation. We simply cannot wait any longer for a bill that keeps our families together, protects our workers and allows a pathway to legalization for those who have earned it.  Saying immigration is a priority for this Administration or this Congress is not the same as seeing tangible action, and the longer we wait, the more every single piece of legislation we debate will be obstructed by our failure to pass comprehensive reform."

 

"In the next several weeks, I will be actively talking to faith-based groups, labor groups and my colleagues on the Hill ­-- ­particularly the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). We need a bill that says if you come here to hurt our communities, we will not support you; but if you are here to work hard and to make a better life for your family, you will have the opportunity to earn your citizenship.  We need a law that says it is un-American for a mother to be torn from her child, and it is unacceptable to undermine our workforce by driving the most vulnerable among us further into the shadows."

 

"I believe the support base for this kind of compassionate and comprehensive legislation is strong and far reaching, and I believe the votes are there to pass it. I have always said that immigration reform will not be easy; but it is time we had a workable plan working its way through Congress that recognizes the vast contributions of immigrants to this country and that honors the American Dream."

 

 

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