| Immigration
Reform Moves to Conference Committee |
RELATED
LINK:
former
President Jimmy Carter's interview on CNN
op-ed newspaper commentary
[May 29, 2006] The Senate passed its version of Immirgration
Reform and now a House/Senate conference committee will negotiate
the bill.
Here is a summary of the issues and how they are being addressed
in the present legistlation.
The U.S. Conference of Bishops support the
Secure American and Orderly Immigration
Act (S1033 and HR 2033), which includes creating
a worker visa program and exempts immediate relatives of U.S.
citizens from an annual cap on family-sponsored immigrant visas.
The Bishops are opposed to HR 4437, the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism,
and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 because it contains
criminal penalties for anyone who assists aliens without legal
status, which could put many church programs in danger. HR 4437
could put social service and health care workers at both the
parish and diocesan level at risk of criminal prosecution. |
For more information on the issue of Immigration, go to the
USCCB
website
Let your voice be heard as this legislation progresses through
the system. |
| Comparison
of McCain-Kennedy and Sensenbrenner Bill |
McCain-Kennedy
Bill (S 1033)
The legislation does not contain provisions which would repeal,
or at least ameliorate, the harsh due process laws passed in
1996, as called for in the pastoral letter.
The legislation also does not contain provisions which ensure
access to asylum adjudication by asylum seekers, another recommendation
of the U.S. and Mexican Bishops.
Legalization/Path
to Permanent Residency
• Undocumented
immigrants in the U.S. on the date of introduction may register
for a temporary visa (H-5B0, which is valid for six years.
Family Reunification
• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not counted
against the 480,000 annual cap on family-sponsored green cards,
providing additional slots for other family preference categories.
Temporary Worker Program
• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not counted
against the 480,000 annual cap on family-sponsored green cards,
providing additional slots for other family preference categories.
Enforcement
•
Requires the development of a national strategy for border security
which may include identification and evaluation of points of
entry and portions of the border which must be protected from
illegal transit.
Addressing the Root Causes
of Migration
• Includes a Sense
of Congress which acknowledges the need to assist the government
of Mexico with its governance and promoting opportunities for
its citizens which will help reduce migration incentives.
Also recommends a partnership between the two governments to
increase health care access to poor and undeserved
populations in Mexico.
_________________________________
Special thanks to Pat DeMarco, OP (Amityville).
Ask
your justice promoter about what your congregation/prrovince
is doing about this issue. |
Sensenbrenner
Bill
This bill will dramatically affect the lives of legal immigrants,citizens
and citizens-in-waiting, and business owners. It does not address
in a realistic way the 11 million undocumented immigrants in
this country.
Below is a list of some of the more outrageous provisions in
what is a 171-page of immigration restrictions.
Make any relative, employer, co-worker,
co-congregant, or friend of an undocumentedimmigrant into an
“alien smuggler” and a criminal.
Make 11 million undocumented immigrants – and legal immigrants
who have temporary status problems – into criminals that
local police may arrest
.
Make it harder for legal permanent residents to become citizens.
Require employers to verify workers’ legal
status, without providing access to legal
workers through Immigration reform.
Deny admission to nationals of certain
countries
Have state and local police enforce
immigration laws.
|
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