The Senate is once again set to tackle the Immigration Reform Bill later this week. This time, though, there will be a limit set on the number of amendments permitted. Twelve will be allowed from Republicans and 11 from Democrats.

BlueLatinos.org details a few of the amendments that are to be presented. They also give you an opportunity to vote in favor of those amendments that support families and against those that limit immigration reform. Let’s take a look at what’s on the table as presented in the BlueLatinos petition:

Amendments 1313, 1255, 1473, 1440:

Webb #1313- This amendment eliminates the requirement that Z visa holders return to their home country but also prohibits up to 4 million unauthorized immigrants from participating in the legalization program. It establishes a new requirement that unauthorized immigrants be here 4 years before the law passes and limits eligibility to those remaining unauthorized immigrants who have established sufficient, but unspecified, ties to the United States.

Bond #1255- This amendment prohibits Z visa holders from ever adjusting their status and receiving a green card.

Coleman #1473- This amendment precludes federal, state, and local government entities from enacting policies that would prohibit information sharing regarding the immigration status of any individual if probable cause exists. Probable cause includes the individual’s failure to possess an identification document issued by the United States or an individual state.

Hutchison #1440- This amendment would require a Z-1 nonimmigrant (and his or her spouse) to “perfect” his application by filing a supplemental certification in person at a United States consulate abroad within two years of being awarded a secured identification card as stated in the act. It also changes the “touchback” requirement from the time of applying for adjustment of status, as it currently stands in the Senate proposed bill, to the time of applying for the Z visa. We believe it is unworkable and would severely reduce participation in the legalization program.

NO to Amendments 1313, 1255, 1473, 1440 !

Amendments 1317, 1199, 1236, 1386:

Menendez #1317- This amendment creates more points for the extended family in a merit-based system.

Dodd #1199- This amendment increases the number of visas for parents of a United States citizen at least 21 years of age as well as expands the visitation time for parent visas.

Baucus #1236- This amendment eliminates REAL ID references in the bill.

Leahy #1386- This amendment gives refugee-related protection or asylum to undocumented scholars in any field who are subject to danger or persecution in the alien’s country of nationality on account of belief, scholarship, or identity.

YES to Amendments 1317, 1199, 1236, 1386!

The immigration debate roars on and there is still a lot that we can do to make a difference. Don’t let this chance go by without making your voice heard.

Source: NCTimes