Immigration bill takes bipartisan, comprehensive approach

Published: 2005-05-16

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A bipartisan-sponsored immigration bill introduced May 12 in both houses of Congress was hailed for being comprehensive by a broad spectrum of organizations, politicians and religious leaders. The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act, introduced by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Reps. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., includes provisions for border security, temporary worker visas and family reunification. The bill, S. 1033, also would require efforts by foreign countries to help control the flow of emigrants; would cover the costs borne by hospitals that provide emergency care for undocumented immigrants; would promote citizenship; and would take various steps to prevent fraud. Arizona's bishops praised the bill for taking "a comprehensive approach to a complex issue."

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