SAMPLE LETTER

 Dear:

I write to ask for your support of comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

As I understand, Democratic and Republican Senators are currently negotiating a compromise immigration reform package. I ask that you ensure that any bill includes a fair and achievable path to citizenship for the undocumented in our nation, a new worker program with worker protections and a path to citizenship, and the preservation of family reunification as the cornerstone of the U.S. immigration system.

Any new legalization program and new worker program must include a path to citizenship for those eligible and must keep immediate family members together. Absent these elements, we would create in our nation a permanent underclass of workers and family breakdown in immigrant communities. 

In addition, I ask that you support family reunification as an essential element of the U.S. immigration system. The Bush Administration has proposed a plan which would weaken immigrant families in several ways. First, it would eliminate several categories of family-based immigration, including the adult sons and daughters, siblings, and parents of U.S. citizens.  It also would prevent immediate family members (spouses and minor children) from joining their loved ones in a new worker program or a new legalization program.

In my view, these policy proposals are short-sighted and would harm, not help, our nation.  Immigrant families are the backbone of immigrant communities across the nation. They start businesses, support each other at times of economic hardship, and promote good citizenship.

I ask for your support of comprehensive immigration reform consistent with the above elements.

Sincerely,

Add your name here