Message:  The simple message to Senators is to ask them to “support amendments which strengthen family unity and to oppose amendments that limit the number of persons eligible for the Z visa legalization program.”  Below is a list of possible amendments. 
 
Action:   Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 with the simple message and/or ask them to support or oppose the amendments listed below. You can also log onto the Justice for Immigrants website (justiceforimmigrants.org) and send the sample letter below to your Senator.  During the upcoming week, each morning updates will be sent on possible amendments to the bill.     
 
SUPPORT:
Menedez-Hagel (#1194):   Would move the cut-off date for family backlog reduction from May 2005 to January 1, 2007.  This would help 800,000 applications and strengthen family reunification.
 
Clinton-Hagel (#1183):   Would move immediate relatives (spouses, minor children) of legal permanent residents (LPRs) from a capped category to the uncapped immediate relative category, thereby eliminating backlogs in this category.
 
Obama-Menendez (#1202) :  Would sunset merit-based “point” system after five years.
 
Dodd-Menendez (#1199):   Would increase the number of green cards for parents of U.S. citizens to 90,000 from 40,000.
 
Kerry:   Would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide access to state social service agencies and legal orientation sessions for immigrants involved in enforcement raids. It also would allow for the release of vulnerable populations, including single mothers, involved in a raid.
 
Lieberman (#1191):  Would establish detention standards for asylum-seekers and allow for release on bond for asylum-seekers.
 

 
OPPOSE:
Cornyn (#1184 and #1250):   Cornyn #1184 would limit eligibility for the “Z” legalization program by disqualifying those who committed document fraud, among other minor offenses.  #1250 would restrict confidentiality protections (to protect against deportation) in the legalization program.
 
Grassley (#1166):   Would limit judicial review of visa revocations.
 
Sessions (#1234 and #1235):   Sessions #1234 would deny earned-income tax credit (EITC) to Z and Y visa holders and #1235 would deny EITC to legal immigrants in the country five years or less.
 
Ensign:   Expected amendment would deny Social Security payments to Z visa holders based on earnings made while out of status.
 
Inhofe:  Makes English the official language of the United States.  This could lead to discrimination against Spanish speakers with limited English proficiency.
 
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Senator:
 
I write to offer my views on S. 1348, the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Reform Act of 2007.   The U.S. Senate is considering the measure on the Senate floor the week of June 4, 2007.
 
In my opinion, S. 1348 as written does not protect families.   I ask that you support amendments to the legislation that would strengthen family unity in our immigration system.   Amendments to strengthen families will be offered by Senators Menendez, Clinton, and Obama during the floor debate this week.   Please vote in favor of these amendments.
 
There also will be amendments offered by Senators Kerry and Lieberman that would protect the rights of immigrants.   Senator Kerry will offer an amendment to ensure due process rights for immigrants impacted by enforcement raids.   Senator Lieberman will offer an amendment to improve detention standards for asylum-seekers.  I ask that you vote in favor of these amendments.
 
There also will be amendments that would limit eligibility for the Z visa legalization program offered by Senators Cornyn and Sessions.   I ask that you oppose these amendments.  I also ask that you oppose an amendment offered by Senator Inhofe to make English the official language of the United States.
 
It is important that S. 1348 is improved so that families are protected and due process protections are preserved.  In addition, the Z visa legalization program should not be weakened by limiting eligibility for the program.       
 
Thank you for your consideration.