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Press Release

NATIONAL LATINO LEADERS URGE SENATE TO OPPOSE PIECEMEAL IMMIGRATION REFORM LEGISLATION.

September 27, 2006

Media Contacts:
Alexandra Acosta, LCLAA (201) 390-7129
Lizette Olmos, LULAC (202)365-4553
MALDEF, (202) 463-4806

Washington, D.C. – Today, in a joint press conference, Senators Edward M. Kennedy (MA) and Ken Salazar (CO) and Representative Luis Gutierrez (IL), joined conveners of the National Latino Congreso, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the National Alliance of Latin & Caribbean Communities (NALACC) to express concern with the current U.S. House of Representatives’ enforcement-only immigration bills. The concern has been that House leaders would attempt to attach these provisions to either the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

“Constructing a wall will not deter illegal immigration to the United States, however it will result in more tragic deaths along the U.S. – Mexico border as immigrants are forced into more dangerous crossing points. Only comprehensive immigration reform that includes a legal avenue for immigrants to come to this country along with border security measures will result in a reduction of undocumented crossings into the United States. Building a wall is a waste of taxpayers’ money and will not stop undocumented immigration,” stated Brent Wilkes, Executive Director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). 

Congressional Leaders want to express to their constituents that they are hard at work overhauling the broken immigration system in the last days before going back to their districts. However, the results have been limited to piecemeal rehashes of legislation the House passed last December. The border enforcement only legislation that is currently before Congress includes a 700-mile border fence that would cost more than $2 billion.  

Furthermore, among the most venomous provisions is one that would give state and local police agencies’ authority to enforce federal immigration laws. “This is creating an environment of intimidation and fear in many of the Latino and Immigrant communities. The current provisions will cause an extreme form of exploitation and discrimination to our immigrant brothers and sisters.” stated Dr. Gabriela Lemus, Executive Director of LCLAA. 

“Both the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have stated that their forces have neither the training nor the financing to support their enforcement of federal immigration law. The fact that this bill and its companions stand in direct opposition of standard law enforcement policy belies the legislation’s intent to secure our borders. Unfortunately, this legislation is simply another blow at passing comprehensive immigration reform,” stated John Trasviña, MALDEF Interim President and General Counsel.   

“The theme today we march, tomorrow we vote has been captured by Latinos nationwide and we will put it into practice in November at the ballot box. People still have more than 30 days to get themselves registered to vote,” stated Angela Sanbrano, President of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC) 

The Immigration legislation requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond border enforcement. The border enforcement only immigration legislation criminalizes immigrants and militarizes border communities, undermining civil and human rights. 

The National Latino Congreso, called by eight convening organizations and endorsed by hundreds of other organizations and elected officials, met earlier this month to develop a national policy agenda for Latino Advocacy Organizations.

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