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SAVE Act 2007 Update
January 31, 2008
Over the past few months, NETWORK and our coalition partners have been busy speaking with social justice groups across the country and going to House and Senate offices to press for a just reform of our immigration system. Two things are clear:
- It is an election year. Too many of our elected officials find it easier to support what will get them votes rather go out on a limb and do what it right.
- Without constituent support of fair immigration reform, too many politicians will go with the loudest voices.
Right now, that loud voice manifests itself in the Secure America with Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act, introduced by Representatives Heath Shuler (D-NC) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA). This enforcement-only bill (H.R. 4088) already has gained 135 cosponsors since being introduced in November. [Note: As of March 4, the number of cosponsors has grown to 139.]
The SAVE Act is an ill-conceived attempt to pander to a growing and popular anti-immigrant sentiment in our country during an election year. It goes beyond the simple naiveté that only enforcing laws and being tough on crime can solve the issue of undocumented immigration, and actually sets our country back.
For a list of specific components of the bill, visit our friends at the American Immigration Law Center.
While no committee action has been taken, there is speculation that if enough co-sponsors (218) are obtained, measures could be introduced to bypass the committee process and move it to action on the floor.
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