Immigration Reform Caucus
Congressman Brian Bilbray, Chairman
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About the IRC
The Immigration Reform Caucus (IRC) was established in May 1999 to review current immigration policy, to initiate new immigration policy and to create a much-needed forum in Congress to address both the positive and negative consequences of immigration. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) was the first Chairman of the caucus and served until February of 2007 when Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) became the new Chairman of the IRC. more...
Forging Immigration Reform
Washington Times | By Heath Shuler and Brian Bilbray
March 14, 2008
WASHINGTON — For too long, the federal government has let the American people down on the issues of border security and illegal immigration.
A blind eye has been turned as millions of people have illegally entered the country and gained employment. Our porous borders are also a severe threat to our national security. Partisan bickering in Washington has not solved these problems; it has only made them worse. We believe that the time has now come for Congress to put aside its attempts for partisan gain, and start doing what is right for our nation.
Without question, addressing illegal immigration is a difficult task. In fact, one Democratic Party leader has labeled immigration the new third rail of American politics, an issue we touch at our own peril. However, as elected leaders we should not ignore this critical issue simply because it is politically difficult. more...
Congressman Brian Bilbray, Chairman
Welcome to the official website for the Immigration Reform Caucus (IRC). The issue of illegal immigration has become one of the most important debates in Congress and throughout the United States as the American people have begun to understand how the federal government’s failure to address illegal immigration has negatively impacted our communities. The IRC is an organization dedicated towards identifying legislative solutions to address the issue of illegal immigration. As Chairman of the IRC, it is important to me and our members that the American people are able to follow how Congress is moving ahead to address illegal immigration. Hopefully, this website will become a resource for you to get the latest updates and news on our activities and efforts to address illegal immigration.
In The News
| Story | Date |
|---|---|
Save the SAVE ActThanks to the energetic work of Republicans and some sober-minded Democrats, the House may indeed get to vote on immigration reform legislation worthy of the name sometime soon. The bill is the SAVE Act (H.R. 4088), introduced by Rep. Heath Shuler, North Carolina Democrat, which aims to dramatically reduce the number of illegal aliens in the United States through stepped-up enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Mr. Shuler's bill offers a detailed blueprint for achieving this, which includes increasing the number of border patrol agents and providing incentives to recruit and train them; hiring more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to strengthen interior enforcement; and hiring more federal judges to hear cases against people who smuggle drugs and humans. (Read today's Op-Ed "Forging immigration reform" by Mr. Shuler and Rep. Brian Bilbray.) |
03/14/2008 |
SAVE-ing Immigration ReformSomething unorthodox occurred on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. The House Republican leadership began pushing a “discharge petition” — a procedural maneuver designed to force a floor vote — on a piece of Democratic legislation. |
03/14/2008 |
Democrats, Republicans Push Immigration Enforcement BillsLawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing bills that crack down on illegal immigration, keeping the issue alive in Congress during a volatile election year. |
03/12/2008 |
Reboot the DebateRep. Brian Bilbray, R-Carlsbad, believes Congress has a credibility deficit when it comes to combatting illegal immigration. He's right. The politicking of recent years has produced heated rhetoric and snappy sound bites, but no solutions. |
03/13/2008 |
GOP Moves to Force Immigration VoteHouse Republicans are trying to force action on a Democratic-written immigration enforcement measure, the latest GOP attempt to elevate the volatile issue into an election-year wedge. |
03/11/2008 |
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