Contacts:

Adriana Cadena

RITA Coordinator

RITA (Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance)

(915) 253-2262, acadena@bnhr.org

Louie Gilot

Communications Director

Border Network for Human Rights

(915) 217-3621, lgilot@bnhr.org

**State-wide statement, Re: Comprehensive immigration reform bill being Introduced in Congress December 15, 2009**

TEXANS WELCOME Rep. GUTIERREZ’S COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL

Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance (RITA) would like to release the following statement on behalf of its member organizations and its supporters.

“Today (December 15), U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., is introducing a comprehensive immigration reform bill in Congress, the first immigration reform bill since the valiant but eventually fruitless efforts of 2007. It is a momentous occasion in that it formally restarts the stalled but very much needed conversation over comprehensive immigration reform.

The Gutierrez bill reflects the needs and hopes of immigrant families living in Texas and across the nation. The legislation covers most of the principles outlined by RITA, including legalization, family reunification, sensible border enforcement, protection of civil and human rights, and immigrant integration.

We are firmly behind this initiative and we praise Congressman Gutierrez and the bill’s 60-or-so co-sponsors for their vision and dedication. We also call upon President Obama and other members of the House of Representatives to seriously consider supporting this bill. It’s good for the economy, good for security and good for families.”

More information about the Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance (RITA): This alliance is a multi-sector, statewide network dedicated to building support for a sensible immigration policy. Visit us at www.reformimmigrationfortexas.org.