Washington, DC – Yesterday, the Senate failed to pass a cloture motion to end debate on comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Members of CAPAC made the following statements:

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15): "This week, the Republicans in the Senate blocked an immigration bill that attempts to fix our nation's dysfunctional immigration system," said Rep. Honda (CA-15), Chair of CAPAC. "The road has been long and hard, and the bill was far from perfect. But at the end of the day, a bill would have been a starting point to address this critical issue for our nation. Now, the House will study what our options are in regard passing a bipartisan immigration bill.

"A good bill for our nation is one that secures our borders and enforces our laws, while also protecting against discrimination and adhering to the rule of law. It is one that regularizes the status of the 12 million undocumented immigrants who now work and live here. It is a bill that allows us to must meet our economy's need for additional workers when they are needed and ensure that there are strict labor protections for all workers. And finally, a good bill is one that promotes family unification because family values are American values, and this tenant has been central to our immigration policy.

"We look toward the future and hope that President Bush and our Republican colleagues in both chambers will work with Democrats to get the job done." 

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI-01): "I remain opposed to the Senate’s proposed reforms to our nation’s immigration system because they fail to preserve and improve a family-based system," said Rep. Abercrombie (HI-01), Chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Task Force. "The proposals, instead, would shift our immigration system to one based on advanced degrees, English proficiency, and particular job skills. However, it is my hope that the vote last night does not end the search for real solutions that will fix our broken immigration system. And we must preserve an immigration system that enables families to continue serving as the necessary foundation on which those wishing to integrate into our culture can build their futures."