Immigrants of all nationalities living in the United States, from diverse organizations, both local and

national, unite their voices and proclaim:

1. The immigrants living in the United States have been first in establishing that the current immigration system is obsolete, and in need of serious and urgent reform. Today, this necessity is recognized by growing sectors of the United States Congress, scholars and the general public.

2. On January 7, 2004, President Bush joined the national debate on immigration when he publicly recognized the significant contributions of immigrants who work in this country. The President accepted the fact that the immigration system is obsolete and needs to be changed.

3. We need an immigration system that recognizes the myriad contributions made by immigrants to the economy and culture of the United States; a system that recognizes the billions of dollars in taxes paid by immigrants, particularly into the Social Security Fund; a system based on respect for fundamental human rights. We need an immigration system that will improve the quality of life for millions of immigrant workers, who presently live with the constant fear of being deported, and are desperately awaiting reunification with their families.

4. Organizations that defend the rights of immigrants and their families urgently call for a reform of the

current immigration system, in order to facilitate the legal entry of new immigrants and to regularize the status of current immigrants living in the United States. Reforms must not be dictated by quotas. Immigrants must be allowed to opt for Permanent Residency status after living and working in this country for a certain number of years. In all cases, the new immigration laws must facilitate the reunification of families and protect the rights of both, immigrant and domestic workers.

5. We recognize efforts by legislators from both political parties who have introduced initiatives to reform our obsolete immigration system. Three initiatives in particular could serve as the basis for a profound reform of the system. The first one, S1461 introduced by Senator McCain and HR 2899 by Representatives Kolbe and Flake on July 25, 2003. The second, HR3918 introduced by congresswoman Sheila JacksonLee on March of this year, and finally S2381 and HR4262 introduced by Senator Kennedy and Representative Gutiérrez on May 4, 2004. The United States Congress already has in these proposals the necessary ingredients to assume a leadership position in reforming outdated immigration laws.

6. We call on the White House and the Legislature to exercise genuine and effective leadership on immigration reform. During the last year we have seen an increase in the number of raids and detentions of undocumented workers at workplaces throughout the country. This is extremely disruptive for thousands of business and their employees and it is not solving the issue. We call on the government to end detentions and deportations of innocent workers.

7. Millions of immigrant workers, allied organizations, churches, unions and businesses unite our voices to urge legislators from both political parties to establish a new immigration law granting permanent Residency rights to the millions of undocumented workers who are honestly contributing to build this country in the tradition that has made America what it is now, a nation of immigrants. The security and wellbeing of this Nation and the world demand it.