Senate Bill 744 is a proposal for comprehensive immigration reform introduced in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, April 16th. Note: this bill is just a proposal; there is no new law or new immigration benefit to apply for at this time. A bill does not become final until it is approved by both the Senate and the House, and the bill is signed by the President.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) commends the Senate "Gang of Eight" for introducing its bipartisan immigration reform proposal, allowing the Senate Judiciary Committee to forge ahead on the "markup" process. A proposal like this is a necessary first step in any path forward to create a common-sense immigration system that will meet the needs of the U.S. economy, businesses, and families, and integrate into our society aspiring Americans who work hard and want only a better life for themselves and their families. In many ways, the language contained in the 844 page legislation reflects key issues AILA sees as necessary to any successful immigration reform, such as border and interior enforcement, legalization, backlog reduction, asylum, family unification, and both current and future business needs. While AILA sees changes that are desirable, S. 744 is a good start. AILA hopes that a continued bipartisan effort will produce legislation that Congress will pass to meet our nation's current and future needs.
For the latest on immigration reform, including the Gang of Eight’s proposed legislation, check out AILA’s Immigration Reform Resource Page. For a daily update on what’s happening in Washington, D.C., go to AILA’s Immigration Politics 2013.
