|
|
|
|
·
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EMM Rejects 'Enforcement Bias' in Cornyn/Kyl Bill
7/25/2005
|
[Episcopal News Service]
Immigration reform legislation introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) is “the antithesis” of principles that the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council set forth in a resolution outlining conditions that should be honored as Congress considers reform of the U.S. immigration system, according to Richard Parkins, director of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM).
In its June 24 resolution, Executive Council expressed support for comprehensive immigration legislation that would extend full recognition of the rights of immigrant workers, including the possibility of permanent status and eventual U.S. citizenship. The council expressed particular concern that a restructured system permit immigrant workers to enter the U.S. through an orderly, legal process tied to real employment possibilities for new workers and protect the rights of workers to avoid exploitation by unscrupulous employers. Family unity was regarded as an imperative of any reformed system.
“The Cornyn-Kyl bill embodies none of these principles and, in fact, adds to the plight of migrant workers by supporting retrogressive measures which confirm migrant workers as second class, marginalized members of our communities,” said Parkins.
The emphasis of the Cornyn-Kyl legislation, entitled the Comprehensive Enforcement and Immigration Reform Act of 2005, is on enforcement. It provides for a time limited guest worker program, a single annual visit by family members, and no worker safeguards to challenge the exploitation that often plagues migrant workers, Parkins said. New funding would be provided to increase the nation’s capacity to detain immigrants who are in violation of immigration laws. The bill extends the authority of local officials to enforce federal immigration policies.
Parkins acknowledged that “any comprehensive legislation needs to deal with enforcement, but this bill is so one-sided that it doesn’t come close to being comprehensive in its approach. The bill does nothing to protect workers, respect family values, or recognize that immigrant workers contribute equity to communities and thus deserve access to full membership in these communities.”
The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005, already introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) and John McCain (R-Arizona), incorporates many of the principles that the Executive Council thought critical to an improved immigration system, Parkins said, and meets the test of bipartisanship that Washington observers believe necessary for meaningful immigration reform to pass. The Kyl-Cornyn measure at present has only Republican support.
Parkins expressed concern that “there is considerable pressure to reform what most agree is a terribly flawed and unworkable immigration system, one that is impractical and, more importantly, inhumane and unjust. Our church has set forth principles for redesigning our immigration system that is balanced in meeting the labor force needs of the U.S. economy and respecting the rights of migrant workers. There is draft legislation out there which is basically congruent with these principles. To ignore this opportunity is to walk away from a solution which could give our country an immigration program worthy of its tradition as a just and fair nation.”
|
|
|
|
|
