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LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS National Office |
2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610 PRESS RELEASE |
| For Immediate Release July 25, 2002 |
Contact: Lorraine Quiroga |
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) called for passage of Representative Gephardt's legislative proposal to legalize the status of millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States to ease the nation's economic crisis.
"Our economy is facing one of the most difficult periods in our nation's history. By legalizing immigrants our economy will receive a much-needed boost. Now more than ever we ought to allow people to become citizens because it makes economic sense," said Hector Flores, LULAC National President. "While we do not condone unlawful entry into the United States, Representative Gephardt's measure would allow those immigrants who qualify to emerge from the shadows of an invisible sub-economy and instead, join the mainstream of our society and with all its responsibilities and rewards. Latinos already represent a $600 billion a year infusion into our economy and this proposal can only help boost that financial benefit to the United States," added Flores.
The proposal was announced Monday by House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO) before numerous Latino leaders at National Council of La Raza's annual conference in Miami. If passed, it would affect nearly half of the estimated eight to nine million undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States. To qualify, an applicant would have to prove residency in the U.S. for a minimum of five years and employment for two years. Between 65 to 70 percent of these immigrants are Latinos while many of the rest are Asian.
"Many of these men and women are part of the very backbone of America becoming the stoop workers in the agricultural fields; laborers in the kitchens of our restaurants; and caretakers of our homes," said Flores. "How can we deny them citizenship and treat them as fugitives while accepting them as our waiters, cooks, nannies, gardeners and builders of our neighborhoods? How can we say no to them if they are law-abiding and contribute each and every day to the economy of our country through the taxes they already pay?" he added.
Prior to September 11th, the Bush Administration was considering a plan to grant worker status to millions of undocumented immigrants and eventually legal residency status that would place them "on some path to citizenship" according to White House spokesperson, Jeanie Mamo.
"Protecting the sovereignty of our borders against terrorism requires that we make a clear distinction between those who want to enter our country to cause harm and others who simply seek an opportunity to join us while they make a better life for themselves and their families," Flores concluded.
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.