For Immediate Release                                              Press contact: Imelda Aguirre, 202-225-2410
May 18, 2006                                                              imelda.aguirre@mail.house.gov

Hispanic Caucus Slams Kyl Amendment

(Washington D.C.)- CHC Immigration Task Force Chair calls amendment a punitive attempt to sabotage bipartisan compromise and an effort to create a permanent underclass in the United States

Washington, DC -- U.S. Representative Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)Immigration Task Force, released the following statement today regarding the Kyl Amendment, a thinly veiled effort to sabotage the bipartisan work on comprehensive immigration reform legislation by denying a path to legalization for individuals who have been working in the United States for less than five years or who enter a proposed temporary worker program.

"The Kyl Amendment is a poison pill designed to kill the bipartisan compromise in the Senate. The amendment, as written, would create a permanent underclass in our nation. The men and women who come here to work should be afforded the opportunity to earn the right to pursue the American Dream.

"Instead of the second-class citizenry and the clear exit sign proposed by the Kyl Amendment, we should be working to ensure that the same welcome mat exists that has been a fundamental part of our nation's proud history and our success.

"Who is Senator Kyl to say that immigrants are good enough to work the worst jobs for a few years -- but after that they are not welcome, they are not good enough to be here?"

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is comprised of 21 members of Congress of Hispanic descent.  Since 1976 the CHC has been addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life.  For more information on the CHC call (202) 225-2410.

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