We expect a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill (CIR) to be introduced in Congress next week. The IWFR Steering Committee voted to mark the introduction of this Act with a press conference and rally next Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Casa Latina (Corner Western and Battery). This decision hinges on clarifying a few provisions of the bill, but given the shortness of time we wanted to alert to this event and encourage you to attend and encourage others to attend.

The CIR will be introduced by Rep. Gutierrez in the House and Sen. Kennedy in the Senate. The Bill addresses citizenship for undocumented workers, family reunification, and a new immigrant worker visa program.

For supporters of the Freedom Ride this bill is an important first step to mobilizing support to fix the country's broken immigration system. In the face of President Bushes' posturing and speech making, we will present real legislation that we can debate, organize around and fight for. Please come to the rally and continue the fight for a humane immigration policy.

The terms of this bill are still be polished so there is no bill to distribute at this time. As soon as we have more information we will distribute that information. In general terms the CIR includes provisions for Family Reunification which will remove the country caps for family-based visa applications for the immediate relatives of permanent residents. It will also provide a process for Earned Adjustment for undocumented immigrants who have been here for 5 or more years and who have worked 24 aggregate months. The principal applicant's family is also eligible. Finally the bill establishes a new worker visa for workers in low-skilled positions for a period of 2 years and renewable for 2 additional terms. Immediate family members may accompany the visa holder, but will only be eligible to work if they, too, qualify for a visa.