Legislative Update: DREAM Act Action & CIR Update

The following action alert is from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC):

Representatives Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Howard Berman (D-CA) and Roybal-Allard
(D-CA) announced that they will introduce the DREAM Act of 2007. In the Senate,
Richard Durbin (D-IL) has announced that he will also do so, along with Senators
Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Richard Lugar (R-IN).

The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that provides a path to legal residency for
individuals who were brought to the U.S. years ago as undocumented immigrant
children but who have since grown up here, stayed in school, and kept out of
trouble. Most analysts agree that the DREAM Act stands a better chance of becoming
law this year than ever before.

What you can do:
Call your Representative:

* Ask to speak to the staffer who handles immigration issues
* Give them your address so that they will know that you live in their district.
* As for the Representative's position on the DREAM Act (unless you already know).
* If the Representative is in agreement and will vote for the DREAM Act thank
him/her.
* If the Representative is against the DREAM Act, urge them to reconsider.
* If the staff person is uncertain, ask for a letter explaining the
Representative's position on the DREAM Act.

Script/Talking Points:
"I'm calling to ask Representative _______to vote for the DREAM Act, which is being
re-introduced by Representatives Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Lucille Roybal-Allard
(D-CA) and Howard Berman (D-CA).

It would provide a path to lawful permanent residence for individuals who were
brought to this country years ago as undocumented immigrant children. I deeply
believe that this is a good bill, and one that rewards good behavior by young people
who are high achievers contributing to their communities, have learned English, and
succeeded in school despite many barriers."

To find contact information for your elected official go to: http://www.house.gov/
and enter your zip code at the top of the page. For Senators Dianne Feinstein and
Barbara Boxer, go to http://www.senate.gov/

The following update is from Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN):

On Wednesday, February 28, the Senate Judiciary Committee held its first immigration
hearing. Testimony was heard from U.S. Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and U.S.
Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez. Some of the major highlights of
the hearing were related to legalization and amnesty, border security, and temporary
worker's program. The major debate during the hearing appeared to be whether
immigrants should be provided a pathway to citizenship as part of comprehensive
immigration reform. There were even questions and doubts among Senators whether
immigrants really want to become citizens.

It is anticipated that the Senate Judiciary Committee will introduce a comprehensive
immigration reform bill as early as next week but most likely it may occur on March
12. It is also anticipated that an accompany House bill will also be introduced the
same day or week.


******************
Larisa Casillas
Director
Bay Area Immigrant Rights Coalition (BAIRC)
310 Eighth Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 839-7598
Fax: (510) 465-1885
http://www.immigrantrights.org<http://www.immigrantrights.org/>