Press Release

For Immediate Release, January 28, 2004
Contact: Gabriela Lemus, 202-833-6130

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is strongly encouraged by today’s announcement regarding the Democratic Principles on Immigration. By matching President Bush’s efforts to bring immigration reform back to the table, the Democratic Caucus is reaching across the aisle and inviting their Republican colleagues to begin serious negotiations on important and comprehensive immigration reform strategies. With approximately 40 percent of the Latino community being foreign-born, it is critical to the community as a whole that comprehensive immigration reform is back on Congress’ legislative agenda.  

“I think we have a historic opportunity to finally address the nation’s needs for comprehensive immigration reform,” said LULAC Executive Director Brent Wilkes.  “This is a true sea-change on the part of both parties to put on the table their ideas regarding how significant immigration reform can take place in the post 9/11 environment.  I hope that this opportunity to help hard-working immigrant families will be embraced to create a more rational and responsible immigration policy that embraces the contribution made by immigrants and helps them become hard-working citizens.” 

In October 2003, LULAC’s Board passed a set of Principles on Immigration and Foreign Worker Programs and strongly supports reform that includes earned adjustment for immigrants currently working in the United States; the creation of responsible and humane legal channels for future flows of immigrant workers; and a reduction in the vast backlogs in family-sponsored immigration.  

“We were particularly pleased that the Democratic Principles on Immigration Policy include specific language relating to immigrant student adjustment and a careful consideration of the civil liberties and constitutional rights of immigrants,” said Gabriela D. Lemus, Ph.D. Director of Policy and Legislation.  “An important part of LULAC’s mission is to ensure that young Latinos have the educational opportunities they deserve and that law enforcement continues to grow its collaboration with the Hispanic community overall so as to improve public safety.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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