MARY GIOVAGNOLI

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: H.J. Res. 38--Making further continuing appropriations for Fiscal 2009 H.R. 1--American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; amendments relating to immigration H.R. 1105--Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009, amendments relating to immigration H.R. 2 (Pub. L. 111-3)--Childrens Health Insurance Program and Reauthorization Act of 2009, amendments relating to immigration including Legal Immigrant Childrens Health Improvement Act of 2009. S. 729, HR 1751-- Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors Act of 2009. H.R. 1024, S. 424 --Uniting American Families Act H.R. 1215-- Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act of 2009. S. 386--Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009. S. Con. Res. 13--Senate Budget Resolution for 2010 H. Con Res. 85--House Budget Resolution for 2010

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: H.J. Res. 38--Making further continuing appropriations for Fiscal 2009 H.R. 1--American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; amendments relating to immigration H.R. 1105--Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009, amendments relating to immigration H.R. 2 (Pub. L. 111-3)--Childrens Health Insurance Program and Reauthorization Act of 2009, amendments relating to immigration including Legal Immigrant Childrens Health Improvement Act of 2009. S. 729, HR 1751-- Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors Act of 2009. H.R. 1024, S. 424 --Uniting American Families Act H.R. 1215-- Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act of 2009. S. 386--Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009. S. Con. Res. 13--Senate Budget Resolution for 2010 H. Con Res. 85--House Budget Resolution for 2010

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: H.J. Res. 38--Making further continuing appropriations for Fiscal 2009 H.R. 1--American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; amendments relating to immigration H.R. 1105--Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009, amendments relating to immigration H.R. 2 (Pub. L. 111-3)--Childrens Health Insurance Program and Reauthorization Act of 2009, amendments relating to immigration including Legal Immigrant Childrens Health Improvement Act of 2009. S. 729, HR 1751-- Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors Act of 2009. H.R. 1024, S. 424 --Uniting American Families Act H.R. 1215-- Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act of 2009. S. 386--Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009. S. Con. Res. 13--Senate Budget Resolution for 2010 H. Con Res. 85--House Budget Resolution for 2010

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: H.J. Res. 38--Making further continuing appropriations for Fiscal 2009 H.R. 1--American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; amendments relating to immigration H.R. 1105--Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009, amendments relating to immigration H.R. 2 (Pub. L. 111-3)--Childrens Health Insurance Program and Reauthorization Act of 2009, amendments relating to immigration including Legal Immigrant Childrens Health Improvement Act of 2009. S. 729, HR 1751-- Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors Act of 2009. H.R. 1024, S. 424 --Uniting American Families Act H.R. 1215-- Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act of 2009. S. 386--Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009. S. Con. Res. 13--Senate Budget Resolution for 2010 H. Con Res. 85--House Budget Resolution for 2010

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2009, Forum staff participated in numerous discussions regarding the need for comprehensive reform legislation during the 111th Congress, reform of detention practices, appropriations, and other legislative reforms affecting immigration. In addition, the Forum worked on immigration issues relating to the following bills: HOUSE HR 938 Keeping Families Together Act; To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restore certain provisions relating to the definition of aggravated felony and other provisions as they were before the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.. HR 1215 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act: To reform immigration detention procedures. HR 1751 DREAM Act: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. HR 2414 AgJOBS Act: To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. HR 2681 PROUD Act: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates. HR 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for alternatives to detention programs and Executive Office of Immigration Review to provide more immigration judges and not for increasing number of immigration detention beds. HR 2892 Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within DHS and the USCIS Office of Immigrant Integration, not for the E-verify program beyond the Presidents budgeted request. SENATE S. 729 DREAM Act A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. S 1038 AgJOBS Act A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. S 1085 Reuniting Families Act: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. S 1346 Crimes Against Humanity Act of 2009: A bill to penalize crimes against humanity and for other purposes. In opposition to Senate Amendments: SA 996 to S 386 To declare English as the national language of the U.S. SA 936 to S.Con. Res. 13 Withholding COPS funds from states and local law enforcement that maintain confidentiality policies regarding immigration status. SA 1066 to HR 627 Preventing US citizen and lawful immigrant consumers from obtaining credit cards. SA 1346 to S 1023 Mandating E-verify for federal contractors.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S.2366/S.2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. These contacts included work on the motion to discharge the SAVE At from committee. b. H.R. 5515New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum made contacts with respect to amendments during the mark-up of S 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. 3. The National Immigration Forum endorsed S. 3114, The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S.2366/S.2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. These contacts included work on the motion to discharge the SAVE At from committee. b. H.R. 5515New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum made contacts with respect to amendments during the mark-up of S 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. 3. The National Immigration Forum endorsed S. 3114, The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S.2366/S.2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. These contacts included work on the motion to discharge the SAVE At from committee. b. H.R. 5515New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum made contacts with respect to amendments during the mark-up of S 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. 3. The National Immigration Forum endorsed S. 3114, The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the first quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation and plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. b. H.R. 5515. New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum also made contacts relating to immigration issues on the following matters: a. Amendments on S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, setting forth the Congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. Amendment #4350. To increase funding for the Department of Education's English Literacy-Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4222. To take $670,000 used by the EEOC in bringing actions against employers that require their employees to speak English, and instead use the money to teach English to adults through the Department of Education's English Literacy/Civics Education State Grant program. Amendment #4259. To establish a reserve fund for immigration reform and enforcement. Amendment #4231. To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal alien removal programs. Amendment #4309. To create a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities that ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Amendment #4208. To increase amounts budgeted for States and local governments for expenses related to immigration enforcement training and support under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with an offset. Amendment #4373. To establish a reserve fund for studying the effect of cooperation with local law enforcement. b. H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. With respect to provisions that adversely affected local governments ability to deal appropriately with the victims of sex trafficking. c. H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Amendments #29 and 30, prohibiting distribution of funds to students in violation of section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and prohibiting allocations of funds in violation of provisions relating to illegal employment of undocumented immigrants, respectively. d. H.R. 3337/S.2486, HIV, Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 which would redefine the conditions under which non-citizens who are HIV-positive are inadmissible to the United States.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S.2366/S.2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. These contacts included work on the motion to discharge the SAVE At from committee. b. H.R. 5515New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum made contacts with respect to amendments during the mark-up of S 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. 3. The National Immigration Forum endorsed S. 3114, The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the second quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, plans to improve the quality of DHS and SSA databases, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, 1. The National Immigration Forum made specific lobbying contacts on all aspects of the following bills: a. H.R. 4088/S.2366/S.2368. Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. These contacts included work on the motion to discharge the SAVE At from committee. b. H.R. 5515New Employee Verification Act. This bill would create a mandatory electronic employment verification system (EEVS) that would require all 7 million employers in the U.S. to query a federal government database to check the work authorization status of newly-hired employees. 2. The National Immigration Forum made contacts with respect to amendments during the mark-up of S 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. 3. The National Immigration Forum endorsed S. 3114, The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the third quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petition, and the repeal of H-2A regulations. In addition, the Forum continued its work on: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368--Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act. This bill provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. S. 3181---Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for FY 2009, relating to emergency relief for agricultural workers, visa reform, and reform of H2B visas. The Forum also made contacts on immigration matters that ultimately were considered as part of the Continuing Resolution on extension of expiring immigration programs, such as E-verify, religious workers, EB-5 visas, and other visa extensions. The Forum also monitored Congressional hearings relating to immigration, including military naturalization issues . The Forum endorsed S.3594, the Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detentions Act and H.R. 6617 and S. 3334--the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.

The National Immigration Forum promotes immigration policy that will foster comprehensive solutions to the U.S. immigration crisis. In addition to general education on immigration matters, during the fourth quarter of 2008, Forum staff participated in the promotion of several legislative proposals relating to emergency relief from removal of deportation, improvement in immigration detention standards, immigrant detainee medical conditions, visa reforms for family and employment based petitions, and addressed various immigration concerns as they were raised during House or Senate debate. More specifically, the Forum worked on issues relating to the following bills: H.R. 4088/S. 2366/S. 2368 Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act provides for expanded border and interior enforcement of immigration laws and requires mandatory use of electronic employment verification system. The National Immigration Forum opposed this bill. H.R. 5570 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program, and for other purposes. See S.3606, which became Public Law 110-391 on 10/10/2008. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill in conjunction with other efforts to extend critical immigration programs set to expire on Sept 30, 2008. S. 3114 The Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act provides for improved and more generous standards in detention, particularly for individuals seeking asylum. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5882/S. 3514 To recapture employment-based immigrant visas lost to bureaucratic delays and to prevent losses of family- and employment-based immigrant visas in the future. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5921 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per country level for employment-based immigrants and to end the spill-over of unused immigrant visa numbers between employment-based and family-sponsored The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6020 Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008 provides for exemptions and streamlined procedures for families of military personnel. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 5950 Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008 expands requirements and procedures for medical care provided to detainees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R. 6617 /S. 3334 Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act of 2008 provides innovative solutions for immigrant integration, including expansion of programs for English as a Second Language programs. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. S. 3594 The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act restores and preserves basic due process rights for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and workers involved in labor disputes, who are the victims of immigration raids. The National immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.7255 Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act provides for alternatives to immigration detention and improved detention standards for immigration detainees. The National Immigration Forum supported this bill. H.R.2638 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The National Immigration Forum supported provisions of this resolution covering extensions of immigration programs set to expire at end of fiscal year, including E-verify program. The Forum did not support provisions to further increase ICE budget for detention programs or expansion of E-verify program.