The Senate is continuing to debate and offer amendments to S. 744 this week. As senators come forward to propose amendments to the bill, LIRS is advocating to protect the good provisions already included in the original language and to stave off amendments that would threaten our priorities for comprehensive immigration reform.
Currently, we’re watching an amendment filed by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) that would hurt families seeking to reunite. Rubio Amendment 1225 would require undocumented migrants on S. 744’s roadmap to citizenship to demonstrate proficiency in English prior to adjusting to lawful permanent resident (“green card”) status. Migrants cannot petition to reunite with their families in the United States until they hold this status, meaning this amendment would delay family unity for people learning English.
As the Senate debates comprehensive immigration reform, the House of Representatives is also keeping busy. Today, the House Judiciary Committee is beginning to mark up the SAFE Act. Introduced last week, this harmful immigration enforcement bill would restrict access to justice and due process for migrants. The SAFE Act mandates increased detention and expands the 287(g) program, two changes that would move enforcement of our immigration laws in the wrong direction.
As both the House and Senate consider immigration legislation, it is important that lawmakers hear your voice as a person of faith. Visit the Action Center to send a message to Senator Rubio telling him people of faith across the country stand for family unity. Call 1-866-940-2439 to hear amendments currently under consideration on the Senate floor and to be directly connected to your senators.
Thank you for continuing to be outspoken in your support for immigrants and refugees! It is your voice that elected officials listen to.