“The NALEO Educational Fund welcomes the introduction of the Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy (STRIVE) Act of 2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives today by U.S. Reps. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ). We believe its introduction represents a new beginning for the process of addressing comprehensive immigration reform in a bipartisan manner in the 110th Congress.

The NALEO Educational Fund has adopted principles on comprehensive immigration reform [click here] that provide a road map to the work that needs to be done on this important national issue, including the need for a path to U.S. citizenship for those immigrants who have played
by the rules and are contributing to our society. Our principles also envision a system which promotes family reunification and reduces immigration backlogs; provides a meaningful opportunity for immigrant students to pursue a college education; protects our national security with effective and fair enforcement measures; and promotes the civic integration of newcomers.

We will undertake a careful review of the STRIVE Act to determine whether it adheres to the foregoing principles. From an initial assessment of the bill, it does appear to contain many positive elements – it permits the approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants in our nation to come out of the shadows by providing an earned legalization program that would put them on the path to U.S. citizenship. The STRIVE Act also includes the DREAM Act, which will help newcomer students pursue their aspirations for higher education.

The time has come for the President and Congress to address comprehensive immigration reform so that we have fair and effective policies that recognize the invaluable contributions of newcomers to our nation’s economic and civic life. The introduction of the STRIVE Act is the starting point for a process that will provide our nation with an opportunity to achieve these goals, but it will require a strong commitment from all parties. We urge the President and Congress to demonstrate the commitment necessary to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality this Congressional session.