A plea for immigration reform

From Susan Rezzonico, director of Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs' Office of Social Concerns and Public Policy:

As you may know, the Senate will be returning to the comprehensive immigration reform debate TODAY. It is critical that we let our Senators know of the US Bishops' and our Bishop Sheridan's support of comprehensive immigration reform. If the motion to proceed fails it is highly probable that nothing will be done regarding immigration reform until after the 08 elections.

Last week, Senator Reid took the first step to resurrect the debate by re-introducing the bill that had been previously been debated. The new bill (S. 1639) is identical to the bill we debated a few weeks ago, except that:

· Language from Senate amendments that were agreed to earlier this month has been incorporated; and
· Language directing $4.4 billion dollars in fees and fines collected from undocumented immigration participating in the new Z visa program has been added. This funding would be used to implement the border and interior enforcement triggers as well as a number of other homeland security measures.

Today, at approximately 11:00AM CO TIME, the Senate will be taking the first of many votes that will hopefully lead to final passage of a Senate bill. The specific vote will be on the "Motion to Proceed" to S.1639. That is, we will be voting on whether or not to debate this issue again. We need 60 Senators to vote SUPPORT this motion. If we succeed, then we will begin debate. If we do not, the Senate is likely to move onto other important legislative matters.

Please call our CO Senators to express your support of the motion to proceed with 1639 and to encourage closure on it as well. We need to be clear about our support for comprehensive immigration reform.

Sen. Allard Englewood,303-220-7414 Colo Spgs 719-634-6071
Sen. Salazar Denver 303-455-7600 Colo Spgs 719-328-1100

Some prayers for wisdom and courage at the Capital would also greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Peace,
Susan

[EDITOR'S NOTE: (4 p.m.) The Senate voted to revive the immigration debate. Thank you for your assistance. For the lastest news flash from the Colorado Catholic Conference click here.]