FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Contact:
Maggie Duncan
April 2, 2008 (202)
263-1332
www.lwv.org
mduncan@lwv.org
LEAGUE OPPOSES DEPORTATIONS, SUPPORTS EARNED
CITIZENSHIP FOR UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS
League of Women
Voters Announces Its Position on Immigration
Washington, DC– The League of Women
Voters today announced its official position on immigration reform
policy.
“After a lengthy
and comprehensive study of this complex issue by our grassroots
members,” said national League president Mary G. Wilson,
“the League’s position calls for a path to
citizenship for current unauthorized
immigrants.”
“As part of overall
immigration reform, the League supports a system for unauthorized
immigrants already in the country to earn legal status, including
citizenship, by paying taxes, learning English, studying civics and
meeting other relevant criteria,”
Wilson stated. “We oppose deportations of current unauthorized
immigrants who have no history of serious criminal activity,” she
said.
The full immigration
policy approved by the national League’s
Board of
Directors in March was
studied by the organization’s membership for more than eighteen
months. The policy
achieved member consensus through a survey of the nearly 850 local
Leagues. View the full position here.
Other elements of the
League’s position include support for increased enforcement
personnel at borders, more effective tracking of individuals who enter
the U.S.,
and significant fines and penalties for employers who hire unauthorized
workers. Furthermore,
the League will champion due process for all persons, including the
right to a fair hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal and right to
humane treatment. The
League position sets criteria for legal admission to the
U.S.,
including family reunification of spouses or minor children; economic,
business and employment needs in the
U.S.;
political persecution or humanitarian crises; and studying in the
U.S.
The League will use this
recently adopted position to guide its advocacy work on federal
legislation introduced on this very important public policy
issue.
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The League of Women Voters, a
nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active
participation in government, works to increase understanding of major
public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and
advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.
With more than 88 years of experience and 850 local and state
affiliates, the League is one of
America’s
most trusted grassroots organizations.
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