Federal immigration reform is a national imperative. The continuing failure of the federal government to act on comprehensive immigration reform is leading to a patchwork of complex and different laws, standards, and procedures at the state and local level.

As of November 16, 2007, no fewer than 1,562 pieces of legislation related to immigrants and immigration had been introduced among the 50 state legislatures. The dysfunction created by the continuing lack of clarity at the federal level and tensions created by the polarization of this issue are unacceptable. The time for federal leadership on this important issue is overdue.

Cities and towns continue to call upon the federal government to enact comprehensive immigration reform that includes and addresses:

(1) Border security and interior enforcement

(2) Workplace enforcement

(3) Guest workers;

(4) Legalization of undocumented workers currently in the U.S.

(5) A path to citizenship for immigrants now in the country

(6) Necessary service delivery.

Visit our Candidate Issue Matrix to find out where the candidates stand on Immigration Reform.