Immigration Bills You Should Know About for the 112th Congress

Oct 20, 2011

Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 2885):

Makes the E-Verify employee verification program mandatory for all businesses.

Status: September 21,2011 - Voted in favor by the House Judiciary Committee 22-13

FCNL's position: Against

Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2011 (H.R. 1932):

Immigrants can be indefinitely detained without opportunity to show a judge their detention is unwarranted.

Status: July 14, 2011: Voted in favor by the House Judiciary Committee 17-14

FCNL's position: Against

Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2011 (S. 952/HR 1842):

Provides a pathway to legal status for young undocumented people who go to college or serve in the military.

Status: Referred to House Education and the Workforce, House Homeland Security, and Senate Judiciary Committees - Not yet voted on

FCNL's position: For (with some concern about pressures from military recruiters)

Uniting American Families Act (S. 821 / H.R. 1537):

Allows all families (definition of “family” for immigration purposes: headed by same gender or opposite gender partners) to sponsor their partner for immigration

Status: Referred to House and Senate Judiciary Committees - Not yet voted on

FCNL's position: For

Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 1796):

Expedites the status of people with immediate family members in the U.S., and includes the Uniting American Families Act

Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee - Not yet voted on

FCNL's position: For

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2011 (S.1258):

Includes the DREAM Act, AgJobs, Uniting American Families Act, and enforcement triggers

Status: Referred to Senate Judicary Committee - Not yet voted on

FCNL's position: No position yet (For comprehensive immigration reform in concept; concerns about some parts of this bill, recognizing that this is probably the best bill we’ll see)