Immigration reform | GlobalPost

Senate panel approves immigration reform

Agencia EFEMay 22, 2013 18:31

Washington, May 22 (EFE).- Immigration reform that plans to legalize some 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States passed its first test as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 to approve a bipartisan bill to overhaul the system. The draft prepared by the "Gang of Eight" Republican and Democratic senators will next go to the full Senate for debate. President Barack Obama congratulated the Judiciary Committee and hailed the "leadership" of its chairman, Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy.

Mixed reaction in Chicago over advance of immigration reform

Agencia EFEMay 22, 2013 17:31

Chicago, May 22 (EFE).- Hispanic activists here on Wednesday had mixed reactions to the Senate Judiciary Committee's approval of the immigration reform bill that includes a route to legalization for the more than 11 million undocumented foreigners living in this country. While some reacted with joy and hope, others expressed reservations and criticism. Monica Treviño, the spokesperson for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said that the group is pleased by Tuesday's Senate committee vote.

U.S. think tank says immigrant amnesty would worsen deficits

Thomson ReutersMay 7, 2013 14:07

By Richard Cowan and Thomas Ferraro WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Granting legal status to 11 million undocumented foreigners living in the United States would significantly add to government budget deficits, according to a study released on Monday by the conservative Heritage Foundation. Heritage, a think tank headed by former Senator Jim DeMint, has assumed a leading role in opposition to a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration bill being considered by the U.S. Senate.

Poll: 71 Pct of Americans back immigration reform

Agencia EFEMay 6, 2013 13:01

Washington, May 6 (EFE).- Seventy-one percent de Americans approve immigration reform that would permit legalization of the undocumented population in the United States. The survey, taken by the Global Strategy Group and Basswood Research, found that 74 percent of Republicans and 78 percent of Democrats support the bipartisan plan presented by the Senate's "Gang of Eight." The poll results were released the day before the Senate Judiciary Committee begins the process of hearings and amendments to the bill.

May Day march for immigration reform in LA

Agence France-PresseMay 1, 2013 21:30

Some 2,000 demonstrators marched in Los Angeles on Wednesday in May Day rallies calling for immigration reform, a key issue just north of the US-Mexican border. Two marches wound their way through the California city's downtown district, with community and faith groups joining labor unions supporting legislation to end deportations. "The ability of immigrants to come out of the shadows and find better jobs is something that's never been more important," said Jacob Hay of the SEIU United Service Workers West.

Immigration debate gives life to annual May Day rallies, shows allure of street demonstrations

The Canadian PressMay 1, 2013 03:45

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Demonstrators demanded an overhaul of immigration laws Wednesday in an annual, nationwide ritual that carried a special sense of urgency as Congress considers sweeping legislation that would bring many of the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally out of the shadows.

Obama: immigration reform would be "historic achievement"

Agencia EFEApril 30, 2013 18:15

Washington, Apr 30 (EFE).- U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday that passing immigration reform that permits the legalization of the undocumented population would be "a historic achievement." "I'm actually confident that there are a range of things that we're going to be able to get done. I feel confident that the bipartisan work that's been done on immigration reform will result in a bill that passes the Senate, passes the House, and gets on my desk. And that's going to be a historic achievement," Obama told a packed press conference at the White House.

White House: Boston attacks must not halt immigration reform

Agence France-PresseApril 22, 2013 20:00

The White House warned Monday that the deadly Boston Marathon attacks should not derail momentum towards immigration reform, as US lawmakers clashed over linking the two issues. Tensions flared at a Senate hearing on immigration amid suspicion that the measure's opponents, aware that the two suspected perpetrators of last week's bombings were of Chechen origin and were living legally in the United States, might seek to use the attack to thwart the drive for change.

Deportations go on despite talk of immigration reform, activists say

Agencia EFEApril 17, 2013 20:45

Tucson, Arizona, Apr 17 (EFE).- While lawmakers in Washington are preparing to begin debate on possible immigration reform, in Arizona deportations and the separation of families are continuing, activists said here Wednesday. "Today is an historic day. Finally a plan was presented for immigration reform for which we've waited for so long. However, here, in Arizona, our community reaffirms that it continues to be the target of unfair laws that do not provide relief for our reality," Raul Alcaraz, an organizer with the Southside Worker Center, told Efe.

Mexico hails U.S. immigration reform plan

Agencia EFEApril 17, 2013 17:02

Mexico City, Apr 17 (EFE).- The Mexican government on Wednesday hailed the presentation in the U.S. Senate of an immigration reform bill supported by President Barack Obama, who is scheduled to visit the Aztec nation early next month. "It's a positive step that a comprehensive immigration reform proposal has been formulated with bipartisan support and contributions from diverse interested U.S. actors," said the Foreign Relations Secretariat in a statement.