Immigration Reform Gathers Steam As Democrats Release Comprehensive Outline

Republican Senators Should Step Forward, Offer Their Ideas

Washington DC - Today Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) released their framework for bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform legislation. This serious invitation to Republicans to come to the table to negotiate is a step forward in the immigration reform debate - something the country desperately needs as states pursue band-aid fixes to our broken system. The following is a statement from Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum and Chair of the Reform Immigration FOR America.

For the last two weeks, the eyes of the nation have been transfixed on Arizona - the most dramatic example of the federal government's failure to lead on immigration. It is a chilling reminder of what happens when states take federal matters into their own hands. Arizona has triggered a crisis that the federal government must address immediately. The invitation by Senate Democratic leaders to Republicans to come together to negotiate, starting with the framework released today, is a step toward the federal government and Congressional leaders stepping up their efforts to fulfill their responsibility to fix the broken immigration system.

We have said for months that the American people are demanding federal action on our broken system. The proposal revealed today is in part the result of more than a year of bi-partisan negotiations and represents a possible path forward on immigration reform. We continue to examine the framework and will continue to work with Senators Reid, Schumer, Menendez and any others who agree to engage in the process to make sure that actual legislation moving forward is comprehensive, inclusive, and fair. This framework is not there yet.

We call on Republican Senators to review this framework, and sit down at the negotiating table in good faith. To date, Senator Lindsey Graham has done the bulk of the heavy lifting for Republicans on immigration reform, but others need to step up and lead. This is a national problem that requires a federal solution and the input of leaders in BOTH parties. This is not a political game, and Republicans can not simply be the party of obstruction. They must offer solutions.

The White House must play a stronger and more high profile role. Already, states have triggered a crisis by trying to solve this problem on their own, and the administration should not be derelict in their duty while the problem gets worse. The President reiterated his "unwavering commitment" to achieving a comprehensive fix this year. He must keep his word, put the full weight of the administration behind this effort, and lead.

The time for delay, broken promises, and empty words has run out. The country can not afford for the President to go back on his promise, for Republicans to refuse to negotiate, and for Democrats to avoid the issue or make it a political football. Senate Democrats have pointed a way forward. Republicans and the President should join them on that path.