HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCES IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL: WHITE
HOUSE LEAKS ITS OWN IMMIGRATION PROPOSAL

On March 22, Representatives Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Luis Gutierrez
(D-IL) introduced H.R. 1645, the Security Through Regularized
Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007(STRIVE), a bill that
contains many components that the Justice For Immigrants Campaign
(JFI) supports, including:
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=bBMTh0qKPuqhwSs9OMSEtg..

*  A path to citizenship for our nation's undocumented
immigrants;
*  The AgJOBS and DREAM Act;
*  A guestworker program with adequate worker protections and a
path to permanent residency;
*  Elimination of backlogs to expedite family reunification; and
*  Certain provisions that address the root causes of migration,
such as U.S. assistance for Mexico to develop economic
opportunities and provide job training for its citizens, and
implementation of border security programs, reduction in
gang-related crimes and human-trafficking.

However, because of serious concerns about some of the bill's
enforcement and implementation provisions, JFI is not advising
advocates to actively promote the STRIVE Act at this time. While this
bill is an important first step in a difficult political environment,
there is a good deal of room for improvement.

Click here for a detailed analysis of the STRIVE Act and click here
for talking points as prepared by the Justice for Immigrants Campaign.
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=_rRzWCqI1HG1Q2wzzO0k5w..

http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=IGjSLcxWZ7ocPNXuo77ytw..

Meanwhile, the White House made its own immigration reform proposals
public on March 29, which the JFI Campaign strongly opposes. It does
not meet the comprehensive immigration reform principles as outlined
by the U.S. Catholic Bishops.

Click here for a detailed analysis of the White House proposal.

http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=20kdCDFoEjzEoHHQE_qCgQ..

What Next?

Advocates expect the Senate to introduce an immigration reform
proposal that we hope will be an improvement over the STRIVE Act. A
revised White House proposal is also expected. Until the JFI Campaign
can endorse a specific bill, we are urging advocates to continue to
contact their Members of Congress to push for the principles of just
and comprehensive immigration reform, as laid out by the U.S. Catholic
Bishops.

Click here to send your Members a message in support of comprehensive
immigration reform today.
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=gg1bfQ_U4XJMbTeYkaf1LQ..

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JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS CAMPAIGN SPONSORS GATHERING

Diocesan leaders from across the country will meet in Washington, DC
between April 17-19 to build momentum for comprehensive immigration
reform during this critical time when Congress is debating key changes
to the nation's immigration system. The meeting, themed Living Our
Faith, will help clarify advocacy strategies and strengthen
collaboration among Catholics seeking justice for immigrants.

Register online for the Justice for Immigrants Campaign National
Gathering.
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=an7PYF0T95Tvvo_E0Rov0A..

Click here to visit the CRS Action Center for the latest action alert
in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=embVMxrgl01E5nQdV-NBWQ..

Other Things You Can Do:

*  Click here to find out about CRS' position on migration
policy and what we are doing around the world on this issue.
Also click here to download CRS discussion guides that help
explain the issue.
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=8QmHdmN7RNQZioiQ0mSpww..
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=GTppJr9mG_at7D_5JO6QAQ..

*  A film and a discussion guide, based on the Bishops'
statement, Strangers No Longer, are now available. These
resources can be used in a variety of settings and can be
obtained by visiting this website .
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=7roQqJmh62UPdMrb8zoG8A..

*  Visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Justice for
Immigrants Campaign website to see how your parish, diocese or
community can get involved.
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=cOlppdX4B06orBMGVcW59Q..

For further information, contact:

Chris West, Community Organizer, 1-800-235-2772 x 7454; cwest@crs.org

Tina Rodousakis, Legislative Network Specialist, 1-800-235-2772 x
7462; trodousa@crs.org