|
Senators Blunt and McCaskill are key to whether the U.S. Senate passes a comprehensive immigration reform bill. A vote could occur before Independence Day. Read this action alert and then contact both senators immediately.
|
|
THE CURRENT SITUATION
|
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a major overhaul of the nation's immigration laws by as soon as July 4. The bill - S. 744 - is sponsored by the so-called gang of eight - a bi-partisan group of senators that includes: Marco Rubio (R-Florida); Charles Schumer (D-NY); John McCain (R-AZ); Robert Menedez (D-N.J.); Jeff Flake (R-AZ); Richard Durbin (D-Ill); Michael Bennet (D-Colo) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
As this alert is sent to you, various amendments are under consideration, some of which, if adopted, could destroy the bipartisan consensus that has emerged. In order to pass, it is clear that S. 744 must include both a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented now residing in the U.S. and provisions to enhance security along the U.S.-Mexico border. In current form, the bill does both of those things.
It has been over 25 years since Congress overhauled the nation's immigration system. A new law is badly needed that will ensure an orderly immigration process whereby immigrants can legally enter the U.S. and contribute their talents to the U.S.
|
|
POSITION OF THE U.S. BISHOPS
|
The U.S. Bishops have been unwavering in their support for comprehensive immigration reform. Key elements of the reform sought by the bishops are found in S. 744, including a path for people to earn their citizenship and strengthening a program that allows families to reunite in this country.
The bishops understand the need for an orderly and legal process of immigration. They support allowing people to come out of the shadows and regularize their legal status by paying back taxes, learning English and taking other steps to become U.S. citizen.
|
|
IMMIGRATION BENEFITS THE U.S.
|
|
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has issued a report indicating that if the immigration bill would pass in its current form it would increase the U.S. population by 10.4 million and decrease federal budget deficits by $197 billion between 2014 and 2023. The budget deficits would be decreased because of new revenue paid by immigrants through income and payroll taxes.
New immigrants in the workforce will also help keep our Social Security system solvent as more Baby Boomers retire.
|
| WHAT YOU CAN DO |
- Contact Senators Blunt and McCaskill today and urge support for immigration reform (see talking points below). See contact information in upper left-hand corner.
- Report back to the MCC on what they are saying;
- Pray for the Senators that they will have the courage and wisdom to fashion a new immigration law that will further the common good of all.
|
