COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TODAY IN HOUSE
News Date December 15, 2009
Representative Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force, was joined today by more than 20 House Democrats in introducing the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR-ASAP). In light of the 2010 election cycle quickly approaching, today’s introduction kicks off an aggressive campaign by immigration reform advocates. The Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, And Security Act Of 2009 (AgJOBS), legislation introduced earlier this year by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Cali. and Rep. Howard Berman, D-Cali., was included in its entirety in the Gutierrez bill. The provisions of AgJOBS are similar to the agricultural provisions of S.2611, legislation that passed the Senate on May 25, 2006, which NASDA supported. NASDA supports both reforming the H-2A program and enactment of the AgJOBS legislation. While NASDA does not take a position on comprehensive immigration reform, NASDA does support enforcement of existing immigration, labor worker safety and border patrol laws. Reportedly already in the works, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, D-S.C., are expected to introduce a comprehensive immigration reform package early next year. Reform advocates are encouraging the Senate Judiciary Committee to conduct hearings on the legislation in February. (Contact: Amy Mann)