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From: Aliza Becker <alzbec@interaccess.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-ESL:4736] Immigration Policy Update forwarded by Aliza Becker
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National Immigration Forum
Date: August 2, 2000
To: Forum Associate E-mail List
From: Maurice Belanger
Re: Update on Latino Immigrant Fairness Act
----------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Text of Fax of 8/2 to Forum members
----------------------------------------------------
LATINO AND IMMIGRANT FAIRNESS ACT INTRODUCED
On July 25th, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), along with fellow Democratic
Senators Daschle (SD), Graham (FL), Reid (NV), Durbin (IL), Leahy (VT),
and
Wellstone (MN), introduced S. 2912, the Latino and Immigrant Fairness
Act.
Introduction of the bill was announced at a press conference organized
by
the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Senate Democrats on July 27th.
The
press conference was sharply partisan in tone, but also notable for the
high-level political actors speaking at the event. The following spoke
at
the event:
* Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) moderated and spoke. Sen. Reid has taken
up this
cause after meeting affected individuals in his district. He promised
that
he and his colleagues "will do everything we can to make sure this is
taken
up."
* Rep. Lucille Royball-Allard (D-CA), now Chair of the
Congressional
Hispanic Caucus, read from a statement from Vice President Al Gore. In
a
news release, the Vice President announced his support for S. 2912. His
release addresses all three elements of the Latino and Immigrant
Fairness
Act.
* Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), who said that if Republicans do not
want to
join Democrats in passing these issues, they should stand aside and not
get
in the way.
* Gene Sperling, head of the White House's National Economic
Council, said
that passing the Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act was a matter of
common
sense.
* Maria Echaveste, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, read from a
statement
issued by President Clinton. In a brief statement, the President said,
"It
is long past time that we correct several injustices in the immigration
system by changing the registry date and amending [NACARA]." Though the
President's statement does not mention the restoration of Section
245(i),
White House staff have pointed out that the restoration of Section
245(i)
was included in the President's budget, sent to Congress early in the
year.
* Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL) sounded a more bi-partisan note. He said
that in
1996, Congress passed a harsh, restrictive bill "and created a hole from
which we are slowly emerging." He said that he was optimistic about the
possibility of working with Republicans on these issues.
* Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Chair of the Immigration Committee
of the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, returned to a more partisan theme,
challenging Republicans to show they are "compassionate" by supporting
these
issues.
On the July 27th, Senator Reid made a "unanimous consent" request on the
Senate floor, which was objected to by a Republican senator, paving the
way
for the press conference. Democrats have taken up this cause in a big
way,
with the involvement of Congressional Democratic leadership, the White
House, and the Democrat's presidential candidate, Al Gore. Democrats
have
portrayed Republicans as not being serious about reaching out to
Latinos.
In the press conference and other forums, they contrast themselves
against
Republicans as being willing to act on priorities that Latino groups
have
identified as high priorities.
As the election approaches, it is expected that this kind of pressure
will
increase. Latino groups will try to get Governor George Bush to support
these issues as a sign that he is willing to do more than talk about
reaching out to Latinos. His support may be key to getting Congress to
enact the proposals contained in the Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act
this
year. Al Gore, meanwhile, will try to distinguish himself on
immigration by
supporting specific proposals. For example, in a letter to Hispanic
Caucus
Chair Lucille Royball-Allard, entered into the Congressional Record, the
Vice President reiterated his support for Central American parity,
updating
the Registry cutoff date, the restoration of Section 245(i) (which he
notes
is part of the Administration's budget), and funding for the
Administration's $75 million English Language/Civics and Lifeskills
Initiative.
In the coming two months, advocates must keep the pressure on both
sides.
Only if it looks like these issues are important to a lot of people will
they stay priorities for the White House. Only if continued attention
is
focused on these issues will there be a chance that Mr. Bush will speak
out
specifically on them.
Congress is out until September. During the month of August, advocates
in
Washington will be preparing for a hectic September. It is expected
that
all of these issues will be ultimately addressed in the context of an
omnibus bill that will contain several appropriations bills.
Technically,
appropriation bills must be enacted by the end of the fiscal year at the
end
of September.
Media attention of late has focused on the politics of the debate. One
important element of advocacy on these issues in the coming two months
will
be to bring media attention to the human beings who will benefit from
the
legislation. The Forum will be working with others in Washington to
circulate profiles of persons affected. If you know of good stories of
individuals who are potential beneficiaries of the proposed legislation,
please contact the Forum.
As for Congressional targets, a list of targeted Senate offices has been
previously circulated. The Forum will keep you posted on developing
media
and advocacy strategy.
The Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act can be found on the Library of
Congress website at:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c106:./temp/~c106cQA7FG.
==============================
Maurice Belanger
Senior Policy Associate
National Immigration Forum
E-Mail: mbelanger@immigrationforum.org
Web: http://www.immigrationforum.org
--
Aliza Becker
Phone: (773) 267-0746
Fax (773) 478-5091
E-mail alzbec@interaccess.com
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