June 21, 2006

House Tactics to Delay Comprehensive Immigration Reform

On June 20, the House Republican leadership announced that it would like to conduct nationwide hearings on immigration reform throughout the summer to ensure that the reform enacted matches the nation's needs and desires. As a practical matter, a series of hearing would put off conference between the House and Senate, thereby delaying the enactment of much needed reform. As stated by Senator Martinez, a champion in this debate, “Today’s action by the House Republican Leadership is nothing more than a political ploy. Democrats and Republicans in both chambers have already stated a willingness to enact comprehensive immigration reform, but now the House Republican Leadership is holding that reform hostage in order to score political points for the November 2006 elections. It is unfortunate that some will sacrifice our national security in their selfish quest for political power.” It is our hope that House leadership will place politics aside and move the national debate forward. Immigration reform, a national security and economic stability issue, has been put on hold for too long and the time for conference between the two Chambers of Congress is now. We would be remiss to jeopardize this opportunity. GT will continue to work with Congressional leaders to push for comprehensive immigration reform that our nation and economy needs.