Today House Republicans released their standards for immigration reform. Below is a reaction from Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
We welcome the House Republicans to the immigration debate. It’s about time. We are encouraged that Republicans are gearing up to take action and glad they acknowledge that immigration reform has to include the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America. Now it’s time for them to translate these vague principles into a legislative proposal. Only then will we be able to judge whether House Republicans are serious about meeting our standards: an inclusive path to legal status upfront and an achievable path to citizenship over time. Barring immigrants from citizenship and creating a permanent underclass is inconsistent with who we are as Americans. In addition, we’ll know House Republicans are serious if they commit to negotiations with the Democrats in the House and with the Senate champions of immigration reform. This combination of an achievable path to citizenship and good faith negotiations is the key to getting reform across the finish line this year.
