The New York Civil Liberties Union commends the Democrats in the United States House of Representatives for their proposal of new, comprehensive immigration reform legislation yesterday in Washington, D.C. This action finally moves the stalled issue forward, creating a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants living and working in the United States.

The following statement may be attributed to Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union:

"The House Democrats’ proposal represents an important step forward for many New York families that have been waiting for too long for the House to do its job and take action on immigration reform.”

"This proposed legislation includes many of the most beneficial elements of the bill the Senate passed in June, omitting its most troubling provision, involving a huge surge of officers and resources at the border. While the House bill also expands wasteful border spending and mandates a costly and invasive employment verification system (E-Verify), it also includes an historic number of protections for our nation’s immigrants.”

"Even a government shutdown isn’t powerful enough to end the movement for comprehensive, sensible immigration reform. New Yorkers should show their support for this bill and for immigration reform by joining thousands of other individuals for the Rally for Immigrant Dignity and Respect, at Cadman Plaza in downtown Brooklyn, this Saturday at noon.”