SEIU's Henry and Medina on Immigration Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - After a bipartisan group of Senators released their immigration reform bill, Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and SEIU Secretary-Treasurer, Eliseo Medina issued the following statements:

Mary Kay Henry, SEIU International President:

Today's announcement creates real hope for the vast majority of Americans who think it is time for commonsense immigration reform and for the millions of hardworking families who live every day in fear of being torn apart at any moment. This bill would provide a roadmap to citizenship, protect workers and transform the lives of 11 million aspiring Americans by bringing them out of the shadows so they can fully contribute to our shared future.

"While this bill represents an initial compromise, we are encouraged by this progress and look forward to working with the Senate, the House and the President to making improvements to it on its way to becoming law. Americans are ready for immigration reform. The time is now to get it done."

Eliseo Medina, SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer:

"We thank the group of bipartisan Senators who introduced this bill today for their leadership that has made commonsense immigration reform a national priority. Their hard work has paid off with a bill that sets the stage for a debate over how we can produce a bipartisan solution that honors our American values and strengthens our economy. This legislation is long overdue and there is no question that our immigration system is broken.

"Going forward, SEIU members are committed to making sure that Members of Congress strengthen this bill so that it not only addresses concerns about border security, but also creates a clear roadmap to citizenship and enables 11 million aspiring Americans to truly become part of the fabric of our society.

"There is growing consensus to fix our system once and for all. Commonsense immigration reform is the right thing to do for America, our economy, our communities and for workers. Let's get it done now."

# # #

With 2.1 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy. www.seiu.org

###