Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  April 19, 2013

Contact: Ayofemi Kirby
(202) 226-6715
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov

CBC Statement on Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation   

Today, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), and CBC Taskforce on Immigration Reform co-Chairs, Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), released the following statement on the Senate’s plan on comprehensive immigration reform titled the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013:

CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11): “I am pleased the Senate ‘Gang of Eight’ has worked to introduce a bill that addresses issues facing millions of illegal and undocumented immigrants. In some way, every person in this country bears the weight of our broken immigration system, and having a bill is the first step in making suitable changes that will fix and alleviate them.

“However, we are concerned that the Diversity Visa Program has been eliminated. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus’s Taskforce on Immigration Reform are currently reviewing the bill to make sure it addresses the unique concerns of the Black Immigrant and African American communities, particularly in ensuring diversity of immigrants, justice reform, and efforts to invest in STEM programs at minority-serving institutions remain top priorities. We look forward to continued negotiations and debate.”

Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09): “First, I commend New York’s own Senator Schumer and the ‘Gang of Eight’ for being the catalyst for action on immigration reform. Although I am cautiously optimistic about the bipartisan Senate proposal, this is definitely a significant step forward in the effort to overhaul our nation’s immigration system.

“I am truly disappointed that the bipartisan proposal eliminates the Diversity Visa Program that provides for the future flow of diverse immigrant groups from underrepresented countries to have a real chance of obtaining the American Dream.  Although assurances have been made that the new ‘Merit Based Point System’ would account for diversity, my concern is that it isn’t robust or sustainable enough to adequately protect the future flow of racially and socioeconomically diverse immigrant populations. Additionally, there are other concerns that have come up after reviewing the bill and I intend to address them as we look to the House’s response to the Senate’s proposal.

“With that said, as I read through the bill and further assess its implications on the immigrant communities that make up the 9^th Congressional District and beyond, I look forward to working with my colleagues to push through amendments that will sufficiently address the dire needs of our nation’s diverse immigrant population.”

Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04): “We are making progress on comprehensive immigration reform, and it is now widely accepted that inaction is not an option. Immigrants who are committed to the American Dream should not be forced to live in the shadows; they should have the ability to become taxpaying citizens and to start their lives in our country free of fear.

“As a co-Chair of the Immigration Reform Taskforce for the Congressional Black Caucus, I remain committed to advancing a fair, just, and humane immigration reform package that recognizes the diverse makeup of our immigrant population. I will continue to examine this legislation in greater detail, and I look forward to consideration and debate on comprehensive immigration reform.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08): “The Senate bill is a significant step in the right direction toward the comprehensive immigration reform desperately needed to fix a broken system.  The phasing out of the Diversity Visa Program is very troubling.  At the moment, it is not clear whether the Senate bill includes an adequate vehicle designed to make sure that immigrants from underrepresented parts of the world have an opportunity to pursue the American Dream.  A robust forward-looking immigration vehicle is critical for immigrants of African descent, and this issue must be addressed in order for immigration reform to be truly comprehensive.”

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