This is an exciting week on the Senate floor as S. 744, the Senate’s immigration reform bill, is taken up for debate. The process began last week with opening statements from key senators. Late today or early tomorrow will be the first opportunity for senators to offer amendments to the bill.
Senate rules do not include a time limit on debate, so the exact length of the floor debate is anyone’s guess. The process is anticipated to last for much of June—debate will come to an end only when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) determines amendments will no longer be accepted. The vote on comprehensive immigration reform will then take place.
The bill in its current form includes many protections for vulnerable migrants such as refugees and unaccompanied children and increased access to justice for immigrants in detention. LIRS is working to ensure that the bill passes without losing any of its positive improvements for migrants and refugees and we need your help!
Unlike the mark-up that took place in the Senate Judiciary Committee a few weeks ago, all senators will now have a chance to weigh in on the bill. I urge you to call 1-866-940-2439 to be connected with your senators. Ask them to support comprehensive immigration reform that includes a roadmap to citizenship, supports family unity, increases access to justice, and protects vulnerable migrants.
To inform your call, we’ve prepared a document of our priority areas for immigration reform. Follow up your call with a visit to the LIRS Action Center.