Schumer Says Immigration Reform Will Happen

Ianus · 02:45 PM

A lot of information coming out today,Roll call reports on what Senator Schumer said today but no outline for an immigration bill.

Quote:

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) maintained Wednesday that Congress will tackle comprehensive immigration reform this Congress, and perhaps even this year.

“All of the fundamental building blocks are in place to pass comprehensive immigration reform this session and, even possibly, later this year,” Schumer, the No. 3 Democratic leader, said during a speech before the Migration Policy Institute.

Schumer, chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security, outlined key principles that must be part a reform bill, including strong enforcement of illegal immigration, an employer-based verification system and a direct path to citizenship.

The Democratic Conference vice chairman, who will join a group of lawmakers at the White House on Thursday for a summit on immigration, underscored “the intensity for solving this problem once and for all” this year. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has similarly suggested that immigration must be tackled sooner rather than later.

“I have no doubt that President Obama has an unyielding commitment to achieving comprehensive immigration reform,” Schumer said. “And I truly believe that his leadership will be the critical difference in getting us over the hump this time around.”

Schumer said the last legislative attempt in the 110th Congress failed because it wasn’t strong enough in clamping down on illegal immigration. This year, he said, that issue must be a top priority.

“I think on the part of the left, there’s an understanding that unless we convince American we’re going to be really tough ... it’s the only way to do it,” Schumer said.

With Republican losses among immigrant voters in the last election, Schumer said the GOP has an interest in moving on a reform bill as well.

I have to say Schumer seems to have the fundamentals down on why the last couple of bills failed but I still hold some skepticism if the Democrats can actually deliver.At the very least we now have 79 co-sponsosrs in the House.

questionsihave · 06-24-2009, 04:15 PM

Lots of news today. I may have to walk back the last couple of pessimistic posts I wrote.

Ianus · 06-24-2009, 04:48 PM

Here's more.......It seems Schumer did outline some principles for immigration which include the following:

*New national identity card that will verify workers' eligibility

*Bill prioritizes a crackdown on illegal immigration

*Require that the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants register with the government and "submit to a rigorous process to convert to legal status" or face immediate deportation.

*Create mechanisms to attract high-skilled immigrants.[Dream act,duh!]

*Control the flow of low-skilled immigrants and protect native-born workers

*Must achieve "Operational Control" of US borders with a year

*New ways to enforce laws against hiring illegal immigrants

The bottom-line appears to be the following:

Quote:

In laying down a road map for legislation, Schumer set the groundwork for tomorrow's White House meeting, a long-awaited session that immigrant advocates and Latino leaders have demanded as proof that Obama will fulfill a campaign pledge to move forward on immigration legislation this year.

Schumer said he expects Obama to show his "unyielding commitment" toward the goal but demanded that advocates recognize that Democrats must show the American people they believe that "illegal immigration is wrong -- plain and simple."

"All of the fundamental building blocks are in place to pass comprehensive immigration reform this session and, even possibly, later this year," Schumer said. "I truly believe that [President Obama's] leadership will be the critical difference in getting us over the hump this time around."

However, Schumer added, "the American people will never accept immigration reform unless they truly believe their government is committed to ending future illegal immigration. . . . Advocates understand the need to embrace this principle during the current debate."

CIR_DREAM2009 · 06-24-2009, 04:52 PM

Optimism is on the march!

AngelGdo · 06-24-2009, 04:53 PM

I wish all senators had the same point of view as Schumer. This post made my day

JGuevara1986 · 06-24-2009, 04:58 PM

Great News Peeps!!!!!!

tiger66 · 06-24-2009, 06:43 PM

This is how it should have been done!

I know it sounds so biased and selfish but some one has to be left out.
There has to be guidelines for people to become legalized and obviously some people are not going to be able to meet those requirements. Its tough, but I do not think there is a way that a bill can be passed that would help everyone. Then it would just be seen as an amnesty.

kenny1314 · 06-24-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiger66

This is how it should have been done!

I know it sounds so biased and selfish but some one has to be left out.
There has to be guidelines for people to become legalized and obviously some people are not going to be able to meet those requirements. Its tough, but I do not think there is a way that a bill can be passed that would help everyone. Then it would just be seen as an amnesty.

there is no way to satisfied each one of us, because this bill can not be prefect for everyone. like you said, if it is satisfied every one, then republicans will mention the word "amnesty" again. gain more, lose less, better than nothing happen .

Mona Lisa · 06-24-2009, 09:30 PM

so who would get left out ?

Alex · 06-24-2009, 09:43 PM

yea we all kool about the fact that some people would get left out; well, as long as it ain't us we just say "boohoo, tough luck"... if its our self that is being left out, we cry about it.

who is being left out???... can someone please answer me that.

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Schumer Says Immigration Reform Will Happen