Rep. Yvette D. Clarke Joins A Renewed Call For Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Press Release

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke joins Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) as he plans to introduce his new legislation, the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity" (CIR A.S.A.P.), to the House of Representatives.

"The time is now to expand the face of the CIR debate. Everyone's voices must be heard particularly in the Caribbean and Africa immigrant communities," stated Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. "When we turn our back on those who come to these shores to become Americans, to be a part of building our great nation, and to embrace the American Dream, we are turning our back on ourselves. We must never forget that this debate is critical to improving the lives of all American citizens, American businesses, and the lives of those who seek to be Americans."

The "Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity" (CIR A.S.A.P.) Act of 2009 includes

* the DREAM Act;
* smart and humane interior enforcement;
* provisions for an agreement between labor and agribusiness;
* an employment eligibility verification system;
* protective measures for the labor rights of immigrants and non-immigrants; and
* measures for the promotion of immigrant integration.

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke is an original co-sponsor of Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez's legislation and is fighting to ensure that the CIR debate encompasses all those affected by our broken immigration system. Rep. Clarke is happy to be joined in the fight for CIR by Bishop Findlayter and Clergy United to Save and Heal (C.U.S.H), Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director of NY immigration Coalition, Sandy Placido, and Northern Manhattan Coalition For Immigrant Rights.

"As Congress drafts immigration legislation, advocacy groups, religious leaders, individual stakeholders, and all levels of government must come together and push for comprehensive immigration reform. We must make sure that President Obama sticks to his promise for action, we hold Secretary Napolitano accountable to her commitment, and that Congress does its part to move a comprehensive immigration reform legislative package early next year," concluded Rep. Clarke.

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