LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS National Office

2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-6130 (202) 833-6135 PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release March 20, 2002

Contact: Gabriela Lemus 202-833-6130

Washington, D.C. - Rallying its membership behind wholesale immigration reform following September 11th and the recent shakeup at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the board of directors of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation's largest Latino civil rights organization, today announced the formation of an immigration task force to help guide that international process.

"The only real solution to the immigration problem is a two-pronged approach of economic development in the poorest parts of Mexico and sensible immigration reform in the United States," said Rick Dovalina, LULAC National President. "LULAC's board decided that the issue demands immediate attention, and will marshal all its support behind the kind of reform that will be in both countries' best interest. President Bush's upcoming trip to Mexico provides an ideal opportunity to start both countries down the road to reducing both Mexican poverty and undocumented immigration into the United States."

Dovalina said the House of Representatives' vote last week to temporarily reinstate the 245(i) provision, allowing certain qualified aliens to apply for permanent residence in the U.S. on the basis of family relationships or job skills, was a positive step, but "ultimately only a band-aid."

"Congress took a step in the right direction last week, but by no means did it represent a coherent reform strategy equal to the urgent challenge of immigration, nor did it guarantee that the INS will have the capacity to implement it," Dovalina said. "The $30 million proposed by the Bush administration for Mexico's poverty stricken areas represents only a pilot project for a problem that requires $20 billion a year in new infrastructure for ten years according to the World Bank.

"It is imperative that the administration and Congress continue its efforts to create meaningful reforms to ensure foreign workers do not have to resort to illegal entry into the country and to allow for families to stay together," Dovalina added. "Without a significant economic development piece that combines private initiatives with government monies, it is unlikely that migration will decrease."

Dovalina said LULAC's National Board, which met last weekend in Washington, D.C., established a Task Force on Mexico and Immigration to begin its campaign. The board appointed Leni Gonzalez, Virginia State Director; Mickie Luna, California State Director; Belen Robles, Immediate Past President; and Blanca Vargas, Vice President for the Midwest, to the committee.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.