Obstructionists Stall Immigration Reform

Failure to move forward on the comprehensive immigration reform compromise signals endorsement of the status quo

Nashville, TN - Last night, a Senate vote to move forward on immigration reform was defeated. As debate has proceeded over the last three weeks in the US Senate, dozens of amendments have been presented, the majority designed to undermine the original compromise, make the bill less workable, and erode overall support. In an attempt to limit further amendments, Senate Majority Leader Reid attempted two procedural votes on Thursday that would have established a timeline for a final vote and set some parameters on amendments. Unfortunately, both cloture votes failed. As expected, Senator Reid has taken the bill off the floor calendar until an understanding on amendments can be reached.

Stephen Fotopulos, Policy Director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) stated, “The anti-reform Senators have a lot of explaining to do to the country. They’ve basically said with this vote, the current border situation is fine and the current demand for undocumented labor is acceptable, with 12 million people continuing to exist in the shadows of our communities. With this anti-reform vote, Senators Alexander and Corker have endorsed the status quo.”

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) stands with the vast majority of Americans who demand a workable solution to our broken immigration system, and will continue to fight for legislation that respects workers and families. We are encouraged by the statements of Senators committed to reengage in the debate and see it through. Our broken immigration system is failing all Americans, and waiting is not an option.

Jessica Kimiko Baba
Public Awareness Coordinator
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC)
442 Metroplex Drive
Building D, Suite 118
Nashville, TN 37211

615.833.0384 office
615.775.1069 cell
jessica@tnimmigrant.org
www.tnimmigrant.org