Congressman Blumenauer speaks at CIR-ASAP Press Conference in Portland

Oregon Coalition holds Campaign Kick-off for Immigration Reform Bill HR 4321

Portland, Ore.--CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, held a Press Conference on Thursday thanking Congressman Blumenauer for being the first Representative from Oregon's Congressional Delegation to join on as a co-sponsor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP) (HR 4321).

Supporters of the bill also called on Oregon's other Representatives to join with Congressman Blumenauer in supporting the legislation and for Senators Wyden and Merkley to encourage New York Senator Charles Schumer to introduce a similar bill in the Senate.

During the Press Conference, Congressman Blumenauer made a surprise appearance in lieu of his staffer to explain the importance and the work needed to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform. This is what the Congressman had to say:

"We need people to stop playing politics with Immigration. It is important to reach out to individuals, in every church, in every opportunity where there are small groups, people working in business, people who are working in social service agencies to talk about the human face, to talk about reasonable legislation, that will help people earn an opportunity for citizenship. We can do this in a way where, and most importantly, that we are not punishing children who are here who are here and are everybody's future".

The event was very positive and uplifting. Click here to watch our video featuring scenes of today's action and Congressman Blumenauer's speech.

We Need Comprehensive Immigration Reform NOW. Reform is long overdue, and Congress must take immediate action to fix our broken immigration system. CAUSA and the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign are mobilizing Oregonians and Americans alike across the nation for an immigration reform that works for the economy, taxpayers and families. One that:

Creates millions of new taxpayers by requiring undocumented immigrants to register, go through background checks, pay taxes, and study English on their way to becoming full U.S. citizens

Enhances our national security by focusing our enforcement and security measures on the most dangerous threats to our communities

Protects workers and helps with economic recovery Keeps families together

Protects the due process rights of all

Thursday's Campaign Kick-off in Oregon came the same day the Immigration Policy Center and the Center for American Progress released a groundbreaking report on the economic benefits of Immigration Reform. According to the report, immigration reform will raise the GDP in the United States by over $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. In contrast, deportation-only proposals will cost the U.S. economy over $2.5 trillion-above and beyond the cost of deporting 12 million people.

Throughout the rest of this month and next, CAUSA and our supporters will visit Oregon's other Representatives encouraging them to sign on as co-sponsors of HR 4321 (CIR-ASAP of 2009). Please see our calendar for the dates and times.

Posted in: Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009,Congressman Earl Blumenauer,Immigration Reform,Oregon's Congressional Delegation,Representative Gutierrez