Senate Begins Debate on Immigration Reform

The Senate opened debate on comprehensive immigration reform this week, with many amendments expected to be proposed to the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, S. 744.

The bill was put together by a bipartisan "Gang of Eight," although that version was modified by the Judiciary Committee that accepted changes pushed by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

Hatch called for changes in the H-1B visa program that will allow preferential treatment by corporations for foreign born workers at the expense of U.S. workers, and other changes that will hurt U.S. tech workers who already face a tough employment outlook. Hatch has indicated he'll push for more changes that tech companies want, at the expense of U.S. workers. CWA will fight back against these cuts to worker protections and will oppose amendments that look to eliminate or further delay the path to citizenship for immigrant workers.

The time is now for comprehensive immigration reform and a true path to citizenship for 11 million immigrant workers. CWA is committed to the comprehensive reform our nation needs and to safeguarding the rights of all workers.