Broad, Diverse Coalition Presents Workable Solution to Broken Immigration System

Nashville, TN – Today, Representatives of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, The Congressional Asian and Pacific Americans Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus joined Congressman Luis Gutierrez, to introduce the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security Act and Prosperity” (CIR ASAP) in the House of Representatives.  The bill is a step up the legislative ladder, bringing Congress closer to fulfilling the President’s promise to reform the immigration system.

“CIR ASAP prioritizes the best of what our nation values: family, civil rights, economic opportunity and diversity,” said Rep Gutierrez. “This is a crisis. It's a crisis of human and civil rights, it's a crisis of our economy and our workforce, and it's a crisis of national security. This is why we cannot wait any longer. CIR ASAP is a solution that we, as a nation of immigrants, can be proud of.”

“Today was a big step in the right direction,” said Stephen Fotopulos, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. “Tennesseans want our leaders to solve tough problems. We want practical solutions to our broken immigration system that reflect our best values and uphold our traditions as a nation of fair and sensible laws. Now it’s time for the Senate to act.”

Organizing activity to pass comprehensive immigration reform has picked up measurably in 2009. In November alone, over 60,000 Americans participated in more than 1,000 house parties in 45 states. Advocates point to CIR ASAP as the next step in what looks to be a spring of legislative activity devoted to achieving immigration reform.   

###