Upcoming AmendmentsThe Senate will resume consideration of the immigration bill (S. 1348) in the afternoon on Monday, June 4th. The next votes on amendments are expected on Tuesday, June 5th.
Positive Amendments
Menedez-Hagel (#1194) Family Backlog Deadlines
Would move the cut-off date for family backlog reduction from May 2005 to January 1, 2007. >For the action alert click here.
Clinton-Hagel (#1183) Spouses & Children of LPRs
Would move immediate relatives (spouses, minor children) of legal permanent residents (LPRs) from a capped category to the uncapped immediate relative category, thereby eliminating backlogs in this category. >For a sign on letter in support of this amendment click here.
Kerry Amendment to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide access to state social service agencies and legal orientation sessions for immigrants involved in enforcement raids.
Dodd-Menendez (#1199) Parents of US Citizens
Would increase the number of green cards for parents of U.S. citizens to 90,000 from 40,000.
Lieberman (#1191) Asylum and Detention Standards
Would establish detention standards for asylum-seekers and allow for release on bond for asylum-seekers.
Obama-Menendez (#1202) Sunset of the Merit System
Would sunset merit-based "point" system after five years.
Feingold (#1176) Study on treatment of WW II refugees
Negative Amendments
Cornyn (#1184) to limit eligibility for the "Z" legalization program by disqualifying those who committed document fraud, among other minor offenses.
Cornyn (#1250) Mandatory Disclosure of Information
Would restrict confidentiality protections (to protect against deportation) in the legalization program.
Grassley (#1166) to limit judicial review of visa revocations
Sessions (#1234 and #1235) Limitations on EITC
Would deny earned-income tax credit (EITC) to Z and Y visa holders and #1235 would deny EITC to legal immigrants in the country five years or less.
McConnell (#1170) Voter ID
The Week AheadSaturday, June 2nd
Rally for Humane Immigration Reform at the US Capitol
Join the AFSC DC Peace and Economic Justice Program and the National Capital Immigration Coalition (NCIC) for a rally for just and humane immigration reform.
1:00 pm
US Capitol, West Steps [Union Station (Red Line) or Capitol South (Blue/Orange Line)Metro Stations stop]
Contact: Jean-Louis Peta Ikambana at (202) 544-0324.
Sunday, June 3rd
Congressman Grijalva Hosts Immigration Forum in Tuscon, AZ
Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) will host an Immigration Community Forum, which will also be attended by STRIVE Act sponsor Representative Luis Guitierrez (D-IL). Members of Tucson's Voces Inmigrantes of Arizona (VIA) committee will be attending to share their concerns and perspectives.
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
El Pueblo Neighborhood Center
101 W. Irvington Road., Tucson, AZ
Contact: Sebastian Quinac or Carolina Issacs at (520) 623-9141.
Monday, June 4th
Senate and House members return from Memorial Week recess and Senate resumes debate on the immigration bill (S. 1348).
48-Hour Solidarity Vigil Begins in Des Moines, Iowa
On Monday, June 4, the AFSC Iowa program and other immigrants rights organizations are starting a 48-hour solidarity vigil for fair immigration reform on Nollen Plaza in Des Moines. The vigil will being with a press conference on Monday and end with a religious service on Wednesday afternoon. Contact: Ann Naffier or Sandra Sanchez at (515) 274-4851.
Tuesday, June 5th
Votes on amendments to the Senate immigration bill (S. 1348) expected.
Wednesday, June 6th
House Continues Hearings on Immigration Reform
The House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law continues hearings on immigration reform including:
Business Community Perspectives
9:00 AM
2141 Rayburn House Office Building
Government Perspectives on Immigration Statistics
2:00 PM
2141 Rayburn House Office Building
TAKE ACTION: Please continue to call, write and reach out to your Congressional leaders!
Invite friends, family members, colleagues and partner organizations to e-mail their Senators by going to the AFSC website: www.afsc.org.
For more information about activities in your region contact your nearest AFSC immigrants rights program. >For contact information click here.