Obama Administration Continues to Signal its Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
CONTACT:
George Tzamaras
202-507-7649
gtzamaras@aila.org

Washington, DC - The Obama Administration once again signaled just how serious it is about resolving this nation's broken immigration system. Yesterday, during a Senate oversight hearing Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, not only testified about her plans to protect the country's borders and enforce our immigration laws in smarter and more effective ways but she also reiterated her support for the DREAM Act, just as she did as Governor of Arizona. Later in the day, senior White House officials convened a special conference call with immigration reform leaders and unveiled a $27 billion plan for border and transportation security as part of the 2010 budget that President Obama plans to present to Congress today.

"Overall, this was another positive day in the movement towards comprehensive immigration reform," said Charles H. Kuck, President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). "President Obama continues to steer his administration in the direction of comprehensive immigration reform, the Secretary's statements and the elements of the President's budget that were presented indicate to us that a serious debate on comprehensive immigration reform is on track for this year."

"The President's budget goes beyond smart enforcement strategies to recognize the importance of investing in immigrants," added Kuck. "The Obama Administration gets it. What's taking shape is an administration that continues to prove itself to be forward thinking and strategic. Clearly a targeted and effective immigration enforcement process, with accountability and oversight, sets the stage for Congress to address immigration reform later this year."

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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.