WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund issued the following statement regarding the introduction by several members of Congress of an outline for a comprehensive immigration reform bill:

“With the eyes of the nation focused of late on Arizona, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund considers this outline a step forward in furthering the dialogue on comprehensive immigration reform that so many are calling for in our country.

“However, much remains to be done. This outline by five Democratic senators (Sens. Harry Reid (NV), Richard Durbin (IL), Charles Schumer (NY), Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Robert Menéndez (NJ) must be followed by a bipartisan commitment to work proactively on legislation in both chambers of Congress.

“The NALEO Educational Fund will closely examine and evaluate this legislative outline to see if it comports with our principles on fair and humane immigration reform. However, an initial review raises concerns. The outline envisions establishing an extensive nationwide immigration integration program. In order to ensure that newcomers become full participants in American civic life, the legislation must also make naturalization more accessible and more affordable, and
provide funding to community groups and service providers to help immigrants meet the requirements of the outline’s registration and adjustment process.”