Civil and Human Rights Coalition Urges House Members to Sign Immigration Discharge Petition

WASHINGTON—Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement regarding the discharge petition filed in the House that attempts to force a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.

“The discharge petition filed today is an important step in getting the debate over immigration reform back on track. We know our economy will thrive with the legalization of millions of aspiring Americans, yet partisan gridlock and excuse-making have held up the process since the Senate bill passed last June.

If H.R. 15 were brought to the House floor today, we are confident that it would have the votes to pass. But it must be given a chance. It’s time to stop holding our immigration policy hostage for the sake of election-year politics, and to find a lasting solution to a crisis that is hurting the entire country.

We urge House members to sign this petition and to demand a vote on this critical economic, social, and human rights issue.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

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