The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) believes that comprehensive immigration reform is indeed achievable in the 110th Congress and will take the President's leadership and active engagement with Congress to see the initiative cross the finish line.

The fact that comprehensive immigration reform remains one of his top domestic policy priorities for this Congress is a welcome signal

Washington, DC (Vocus) January 25, 2007 -- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is heartened by President George W. Bush's pledge to push for an immigration overhaul in his State of the Union address to Congress last night. "The fact that comprehensive immigration reform remains one of his top domestic policy priorities for this Congress is a welcome signal," said AILA president Carlina Tapia-Ruano.

"Reforming our immigration system is not and should not be a partisan issue. It is a national issue of great import and urgency. The push for a realistic policy solution has brought together advocates and constituencies that stretch across the ideological spectrum. We believe that bi-partisan consensus on an immigration policy that serves this country's economic interests, its commitment to family unity, its national security mandates, and its traditions of fair treatment for all people, is within our grasp," said Tapia Ruano.

Americans have been thirsting for the federal government to take strong, decisive action on this critical issue. But Americans also want a meaningful, lasting solution and the only way to achieve that is through a comprehensive approach that addresses the many interlocking components to reform. "We applaud President Bush for signaling once again his support for a realistic, comprehensive approach to fixing our failing immigration system. He argued for creating legal channels for essential workers, for establishing a path to earned legal status for the current undocumented, and for implementing a workable enforcement regime," said Tapia Ruano.

AILA believes that comprehensive immigration reform is indeed achievable in the 110th Congress, but it will take more than the President's words to make bipartisan reform a reality. It will take the President's leadership and active engagement with Congress to see this initiative across the finish line. The American public wants and deserves a pragmatic approach to immigration policy reform, not more empty platitudes, demagoguery, and fear-mongering. It is time for the parties to join together and seize this opportunity for historic immigration reform that will serve our nation's best interests for generations to come.

Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides its Members with continuing legal education, information, professional services and expertise through its 35 chapters and over 75 national committees. AILA also advocates before Congress and the Administration, as well as provides liaison with government agencies in support of pro-immigration initiatives. AILA is an Affiliated Organization of the American Bar Association.

Press Contact:
George Tzamaras
202-216-2410

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