CHC ON STANDARDS FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM

Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) released the following statement in response to the House GOP immigration reform "principles."

"It is encouraging that House Republican leadership is taking a step forward by outlining a set of broad immigration reform 'principles.' While there are no specific legislative proposals put forth in the document, I hope House Republican leadership will continue to take critical steps so that Congress can fix our nation's broken immigration system.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus released its own set of immigration reform principles two years ago, in 2012, which the CHC believes are consistent with our nation’s commitment to fairness and equality. The CHC's Principles on Immigration Reform include a pathway to citizenship because having a second class of residents is contrary to the core values of our country. We believe workers must pay their fair share of taxes, fully integrate into our way of life, bear the same responsibilities and be able to pursue an earned pathway to citizenship.

More than ever, America needs comprehensive immigration reform and now is the time to make that happen. Reforming our nation's immigration system will grow the economy, reduce the national deficit and create jobs. In addition, immigration reform will allow 11 million people who are already contributing to and playing a role in our country, to finally come out of the shadows.

There are 196 Democratic and Republican Congress Members supporting H.R. 15, the comprehensive immigration reform bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation and the votes are there to take action in the weeks and months ahead. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus will continue leading on this important issue and will work with Republicans in a bipartisan manner to turn principles into legislative action."