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Leaders of the Immigration Reform Now coalition met with Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert and members of Congress in the Speaker's office in U.S. Capitol to discuss comprehensive immigration reform. |
Hispanic Leaders meet with White House, Frist, Hastert about Immigration Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC - A large group of Hispanic leaders met with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, senior policy advisors in the White House, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and others to speak about comprehensive immigration reform on Tuesday, March 7th. The series of meetings took place in D.C. and is a result of a new project launched by the Republican National Hispanic Assembly called “Immigration Reform Now”.
The purpose of this new project is to bring together organizations that support comprehensive immigration reform. The RNHA has joined forces with groups such as the Hispanic Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, an umbrella organization for Hispanic Evangelical groups representing over 20 million people nation wide.
"An immigration reform
without a guest worker program fails to address the economic and
security needs of our nation,” said RNHA National Chairman, Dr. Pedro Celis.
“The Hispanic community does not support illegal immigration nor is it asking
for amnesty. Hispanics, like all Americans, want a strong and secure country and
economy. The only way to secure our future and our nation is through
comprehensive immigration reform that includes a guest worker program.”
After
their meeting with Senator Frist, the Majority leader said
"I appreciated
meeting with the Republican Hispanic Assembly and various Latino pastors from
all over the US to discuss Border Security and Immigration Reform today. Our
National Security is at stake and that is why the Senate plans to move forward
the week of March 27th and bring the topic of Border Security and Immigration
Reform to the floor of the US Senate."
The Hispanic leaders
expressed their strong support for comprehensive reform, a three-point plan
modeled after President Bush’s proposal for border security, interior
enforcement and a guest worker program. They also discussed pending legislation
in the Senate and further action that may be taken in the House if a bill goes
to conference.
"It's important to have an open discussion with the Hispanic community on
important legislative issues, especially immigration reform," said Speaker of
the House, Dennis Hastert.
Members of Congress Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Luis Fortuño
(R-PR) and Henry Bonilla (R-TX) took part in the meetings with the group of
Hispanic leaders as well.
The Hispanic leaders that participated represent large Hispanic constituencies
all over the United States, including the largest evangelical churches in the
country. Hispanic Evangelicals are the fastest growing Christian group in the
country today, with over 20 million members. These leaders want Congress to
focus its attention on the need for immigration reform that deals with all
levels of the issue in a manner that secures our nation while being economically
sound and compassionate.
“In order for immigration reform to be effective, a guest worker program is
essential. There also needs to be an increase in the number of legal immigrants
that are allowed to come into the United States every year”, said chairman
Celis.
“We are encouraged by the exchange that took place during these meetings, and remain confident that Congress will be able to formulate a Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill consistent with the plan proposed by our President”.
For more information or for interviews please contact 202-974-1391 or email info@immigrationreformnow.org