Valadao, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Urge Passage of Immigration Reform Legislation
Press Release
Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) gathered with members of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) to outline several key principles that they believe should be included in immigration reform legislation in the House of Representatives. It is the first time in CHLI's 10-year history that the organization and its leadership has formally come together to raise awareness about an issue of importance to both the Hispanic community and the United States, at large.
Congressman Valadao stated, "not only is immigration reform important to me personally, but it is extremely important to my district and our entire country." He continued, "While my colleagues and I may not always agree on the best solution, we all share the common belief that our current system is not sustainable and that real solutions are needed. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until a solution is reached."
The non-partisan group of Members of Congress of Hispanic and Portuguese descent articulated its support for immigration reform that creates an earned legalization process, supports STEM education in the United States, and ensures U.S. industry has access to the legal workers it needs to be competitive in the global marketplace. At the press conference, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute also released its official statement on immigration reform which can be found on their website.
"CHLI strongly believes that immigration reform is necessary and that Congress should pass it before it adjourns this year," said CHLI's founder and chairman, former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. "Our board of directors unanimously adopted the statement we have made public today, and we urge Congress to act without further delay." I
n addition to Congressman Valadao, participants included: * Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) * Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-8) * Mary Ann Gomez, Executive Director, CHLI
Source